Senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin last played an ODI in January 2022. But, he says, he will be available with his services for Indian cricket as the team builds up for World Cup 2023 even at the immediate call.
Ravichandran Ashwin was not named in India’s squads for the Asia Cup 2023 and the World Cup 2023. The selectors and the management went with three spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. All three of the spinners picked are left-arm spinners – two are left-arm orthodox while one is a wrist-spinner. India don’t have any off-spin option in their squad, and neither a leg-spin option.
I will be ready and will give my 100 percent: Ravichandran Ashwin
The World Cup squad can still be altered until September 28. With the World Cup happening in India, and almost every opposition having at least two left-handers in their side, India might ponder over including an off-spinner with the experience and caliber of Ravichandran Ashwin.
The 36-year-old off-spinner recently spoke in his YouTube video about how he’s so committed to Indian cricket and would be available to play anytime.
“I have been playing for the last 14-15 years for Team India. I have had my great moments. I have had my fair share of failures too. I was talking to Abhinav Bindra that day. He said, ‘I have failed more than I succeeded.'”
“Even I have had my fair share of failures and successes. But I have tattooed Indian cricket close to my heart. If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 percent,” Ashwin added.
Ravichandran Ashwin was part of India’s T20 World Cup 2022 campaign in Australia last year, and was dropped from the T20 team after that. He’s unlikely to get a recall to the ODI side now this close to the World Cup after being discarded from the 50-over format last year. India also were hurt by the injuries to Washington Sundar, who offered a proper off-spinning all-rounder option.
India 15-man World Cup squad:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
