The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has stirred immense excitement. Renowned Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his weight behind Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the crucial match, praising him as a tactically astute asset.
Gavaskar emphasized the importance of fielding Ashwin against Pakistan, particularly to tackle their left-handed batters. He singled out Saud Shakeel in the Pakistani middle order, describing him as a player who can rescue Pakistan from precarious situations. Ashwin had a significant role to play in India’s inaugural 2023 World Cup match against Australia, where he secured a crucial wicket, solidifying his case for the upcoming showdown with Pakistan.
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Sunil Gavaskar explained, “I’ll pick Ashwin for the simple reason that there is Saud Shakeel in the side. He is in the middle order now, and he is the kind of player who can take Pakistan from a dire situation to a safer spot. He is the guy against whom you need a clever bowler.”
The 74-year-old continued to shower accolades on Ashwin, commending his intelligence as a bowler and his ability to apply pressure on the opposition. Ashwin’s inclusion in place of the injured Axar Patel is seen as pivotal. Gavaskar underscored Ashwin’s value with the bat, highlighting his potential to contribute crucial late-inning runs and potentially fill the number 8 slot.
“I’m not saying this just because he is an off-spinner who will turn the ball against the left-hander, but Ashwin is clever. Ashwin tests you mentally as well. And I would want to have him in the team because he can keep the pressure. If needed at number 8, he can give you those 20-30 runs and have a partnership to make a difference,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
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As the cricketing world awaits this epic showdown, Ashwin’s inclusion brings strategic depth to the Indian team, and his all-around capabilities make him a valuable asset for the high-stakes clash against Pakistan.
