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'With Ashwin, It's Not...' - Gavaskar Makes Call On Star Off-Spinner Before IND vs BAN

image-lnwpbcp5Ashwin made a wildcard enrty before WC 2023 (AP Photo)

Sunil Gavaskar backed Ravichandran Ashwin to make India's playing XI for their next ICC World Cup 2023 league-stage encounter against Bangladesh in Pune on Thursday (October 19). 

The batting legend, who has always been a huge Ashwin supporter, reckoned the premier off-spinner can walk into the side in place of utility fast-bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur for the clash with Bangla Tigers. 

While India are highly unlikely to ditch a three-pronged pace attack in favour of an extra spinner at the MCA Stadium known for steep bounce and help for the seamers, Gavaskar said Ashwin can overcome the nature of any surface as a bowler and prove an ideal fit in Thakur's slot at No. 8 with his batting. 


Gavaskar calls for Ashwin's inclusion

Notably, Ashwin played the opening game of India's campaign against arch-rivals Australia and delivered a tight spell of 1/34 off 10 overs in a handsome victory in Chennai. However, the 34-year-old missed the following two games against two Asian oppositions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

"With Ashwin, it's not just that he bowls only to left-handers, he is a top bowler, he bowls well to right-handers as well. He is a great bowler," Gavaskar told India Today. "He can operate on pitches that don't generally assist the spinners. I think he is raring to be given an opportunity." 

"There could be a possibility of that happening (Ashwin playing against Bangladesh). If Shardul Thakur gets a breather, Ashwin could come in, keeping in mind the left-handers in the Bangladesh team," he added. 

Gavaskar had also raised the Ashwin debate before India's second game versus the spirited Afghans. The maestro was bemused with the Indian team management for not persisting with their best-ever off-spinner and giving him more confidence for the remaining matches. 

"I don't know what he's (Ashwin) done wrong, but there you are. It is a difficult call; as group you look to try and give as many players an outing. Ashwin is used to be left out of team, it is only going to make him more determined," the former skipper had told Star Sports after the toss at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.