Ravichandran Ashwin hasn’t played any limited-over international game since India’s tour of West Indies in 2017. After the shocking defeat to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final, India made several changes in the squad and currently they have the most balanced side. However, there are some former cricketers who throw to their weight behind Ashwin’s inclusion in the Indian team and Gautam Gambhir is the latest in that list.
Gambhir, who recently retired from all forms of the game, believes Ashwin can be a lethal weapon for India’s quest to win the World Cup. During India’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2011, both players made handy contributions. Gambhir’s most memorable performance came in the final against Sri Lanka, where he played a 97-run innings to rescue India home.
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In the spin department, the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav wracked havoc in the last couple of years. They ran through almost every opponent they played against since their inclusion in the team and contributed immensely in India’s success in the white-ball cricket.
However, Gambhir feels that if there is any chance to replace any of these spinners, Ashwin should be the first pick.
“He (Ashwin) can be considered for the World Cup team as he is a premier spinner who has 300 Test wickets to his name. So, for me, if I ever must replace a Kuldeep or Chahal, I will pick up Ashwin,” Gambhir was quoted as saying by Star Sports after India lost their fourth ODI to hosts New Zealand by 8 wickets in Hamilton on Thursday.
“Also, he has a great temperament and has played a major role in winning many tournament titles. So, that experience will come in handy,” he further added.
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The ace spinner has decent numbers while playing in the ODI team. So far, he has played 111 matches, where he managed 150 scalps with 4/25 being his best figures. Ashwin has played two World Cups with India but the chances are quite bleak for him to be involved in the third one.
