Delayed Selection of Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Questions Ahead of World Cup 2023

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In a surprising turn of events just before the 2023 World Cup, the sudden inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian One Day International (ODI) team has raised questions, with former fast bowler and TV commentator Irfan Pathan expressing his concerns, stating, “There’s no doubt that Ashwin is not only the best spinner in the country but in the world. He is an exceptional spinner, but I believe the decision to include him in the team has been delayed.”

For the three-match ODI series against Australia, the Indian team included Ravichandran Ashwin, a move that has been met with both praise and skepticism. Irfan Pathan believes that the world’s premier spinner should have been a part of the team’s plans much earlier. He said, “There’s no doubt that Ravichandran Ashwin is a better spinner than anyone in the country and perhaps in the world. He is an extraordinary talent, but I think the decision to include him in the team has come late. In a tournament as significant as the World Cup, where teams from around the world compete for a single trophy, the pressure is immense. If you expect a senior player to suddenly make a comeback in the World Cup and perform well in a format he hasn’t played for a long time, it’s wishful thinking. I believe we are leaning more towards luck and less towards planning. If the planning were right, Ashwin should have been playing matches well before the World Cup.”

Former selector MSK Prasad expressed his delight at Ashwin’s inclusion in the team for the series against Australia, stating, “Ashwin will prove to be highly beneficial for Team India in the current conditions. He has taken close to 500 wickets in all formats of cricket. In the World Cup, where there are three to four left-handed batsmen in every team, Ashwin will be a deadly weapon. I hope Ashwin makes a significant impact in the series against Australia and secures his spot in the World Cup team.”

Harbhajan Singh, on the other hand, listed four teams with strong World Cup aspirations, leaving Pakistan’s team out of the mix. He made a bold prediction, saying, “These are the teams that are strong contenders to win the World Cup.”

It is worth noting that India has included Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar in their 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma, along with regulars like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav, has been given rest for the first two ODIs. KL Rahul will captain the team in Rohit’s absence. The selectors have retained the same squad for the World Cup.

Ashwin had last played an ODI match more than 18 months ago. During the Asia Cup, he sustained an injury while playing against Bangladesh. If Axar Patel’s fitness doesn’t improve before the World Cup, India might travel to the tournament with Ashwin or Washington Sundar. This could be one of the reasons for their inclusion in the squad.

India’s cricket team has begun its preparations for the Asian Games in Bengaluru. The BCCI has shared pictures of the team’s training sessions.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed hope that Axar Patel would recover in time, stating, “We are hopeful that Axar will regain his fitness. Washington has been a part of the team for the Asia Cup final. Ashwin brings valuable experience to the table. With both these players in the series, we have options to consider if the need arises later.”

In conclusion, the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian ODI team has sparked discussions and debates, with some praising the decision and others questioning its timing. As India gears up for the 2023 World Cup, the selection of Ashwin and Washington Sundar adds depth to the squad, and their performances in the upcoming series against Australia will likely play a crucial role in determining their roles in the World Cup team. The cricketing world will be watching keenly to see if Ashwin can live up to the expectations and make a significant impact on the grand stage of the World Cup.