Ravichandran Ashwin conceded on Saturday that the upcoming World Cup could be his last for India after the veteran spinner replaced Axar Patel in the hosts’ 15-member squad for the event, starting on October 5. Ashwin, who enjoyed a successful outing against Australia featuring in the first two ODIs of the recently concluded series, was named as the replacement for Patel, who was sidelined due to a quadricep strain.
Ahead of India’s first warm-up match against defending champions England here on Saturday, the 37-year-old Ashwin made the admission in a pre-match chat.
“Being in a good space, and enjoying this tournament will keep me in good stead. This could be my last World Cup for India, so enjoying the tournament is of utmost importance,” Ravichandran Ashwin told Star Sports. I would have said that you were joking. Life is full of surprises. Honestly, I did not think I would be here. Circumstances have made sure I am here today, the team management has shown trust,” said Ashwin while talking about his inclusion in the Indian squad.
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Fortune has favored Ravichandran Ashwin as he made the cut for India’s World Cup squad after Axar Patel managed to get injured and was ruled out of the marquee tournament. Ashwin has played 10 matches for India in World Cup history with his last appearance coming in 2015. He has bagged 17 wickets in the competition at an average of 24.88 and an economy of 4.36 with his best figures being 4/25.
Apart from Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin is the only member of the current Indian side who was also a part of their World Cup-winning campaign in 2011. Ashwin said dealing with pressure would be crucial.
Ravichandran Ashwin: “This will most likely be my last World Cup.” #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/gsrpLWqyBr
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) September 30, 2023
“All you can do is turn the ball both ways, and I think I can do it. Dealing with pressure is paramount in these tournaments, and it will dictate how the tournament goes,” he said.
The veteran spinner has been a crucial part of India’s Test team and has gone on to become one of India’s matchwinners in the longest format of the game. But his limited-overs career has been under uncertainty with the spinner making the squad for the T20 World Cup held in 2021. Since the disastrous campaign for India, he has barely featured in white-ball cricket since the recent Australian ODI series.
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Before the Australian series, Ashwin missed out on the Asia Cup squad and made his last appearance for India in the fifty-over format in January against South Africa. It remains to be seen whether Ashwin will be able to cement his place in the Indian team for the World Cup, but his experience and ability to spin the ball both ways will be a valuable asset for the team.
