In a significant development, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named as a member of India’s ODI World Cup squad. He will be stepping in to replace all-rounder Axar Patel, who was unable to recover from a quadriceps tear injury in time for the tournament.
This announcement has thrilled cricket enthusiasts on social media, with many highlighting that Ashwin was also part of the squad that clinched India’s second 50-over World Cup title in 2011. Furthermore, Ashwin, along with former captain Virat Kohli, stands as one of the only two current Indian team members who were part of the victorious squad in the 2011 marquee tournament.
Analysts had already begun speculating about Ashwin’s inclusion in the squad after Axar Patel missed the third ODI against Australia due to his injury. Ashwin had also showcased a quality performance with the ball during the first and second ODIs against Australia, further solidifying his claim for a spot in the squad. In those matches, the 37-year-old returned figures of 1/47 and 3/41, respectively, on tracks known for high-scoring encounters.
Cricket expert and renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle predicted Ashwin’s inclusion in the playing XI as well, particularly if all-rounder pacer Hardik Pandya continues to provide a strong bowling option for the team. He tweeted, “It was always going to be Ashwin after those two games against Australia. Really feel for Axar Patel, and hopefully, he will get the big stage another day. India has preferred to go in with more bowling skill than a more all-round package. If Hardik is bowling well, I see Ashwin in the first-choice eleven.”
Fans on social media also fondly reminisced about the chemistry between Ashwin and his long-time spin partner Ravindra Jadeja, who led the team’s spin attack during the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
However, there were also sympathetic voices for Axar Patel, who will miss his maiden World Cup opportunity despite demonstrating top-class form with both bat and ball in the recently concluded Asia Cup.
All eyes are now on the upcoming practice match against England in Guwahati on September 30. How skipper Rohit Sharma utilizes Ashwin in this match may provide insights into whether he is among the probables for inclusion in the playing XI for the World Cup.
