Did Ravichandran Ashwin Say No To Asia Cup 2023 Call-Up? India Star's Massive Revelation

22.09.2023 - 11:33 sports.ndtv.com

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a sensational comeback to the Indian cricket team during the first ODI match against Australia on Friday but according to his Tamil Nadu teammate Dinesh Karthik, he could have made his comeback much earlier.

During a recent interaction, the wicket-keeper batter revealed that he was considered as the replacement for the injured Axar Patel in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka but Ashwin declined the call-up citing match fitness issues.

As a result, Washington Sundar was chosen as he was already playing local competitions and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

He ended up playing the final which India won comfortably. “With a little inside information I know, I'll end up defending Rohit (Sharma), Ajit (Agarkar), and Rahul Dravid here.

cricket Australia Cricket Team India Cricket Team Washington Sundar 2023 cup call Ravichandran Ashwin Dinesh Karthik Axar Patel Australia Washington India Sri Lanka

After a dominating win over Australia, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team now faces Afghanistan in New Delhi on Wednesday. The first match was played on a Chennai track which invariable bounce and stroke-making looked difficult. However, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi produced over 700 runs in the only match that it has hosted so far. South Africa scored 428/5 batting first. In reply, Sri Lanka managed 326 runs. Keeping that in mind, former India cricket team star Sanjay Manjrekar feels that Ravichandran Ashwin may not find a place in the XI.

India's Predicted XI vs Australia, Cricket World Cup 2023: Ravichandran Ashwin, Opening Slot In Focus

The Indian cricket team will take on Australia in their opening match of Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai on Sunday. India defeated Australia 2-1 in the recently concluded ODI series just ahead of the Cricket World Cup and that will be a major boost for the Rohit Sharma-led side. India enter the competition as one of the favourites and they will be looking to start their campaign with a win over a formidable opponent. However, the absence of Shubman Gill due to illness can prove to be a problem for Rohit and Co but it can also be a major opportunity for Ishan Kishan.

"Hopefully, He Will Not Get Too...": Former England Star's Warning For Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin could be India's third spinner during the World Cup considering the general sluggishness of the pitches, and former England cricketer Monty Panesar cautioned the off-spin maestro to use his abundant variations judiciously to make a bigger impact. Ashwin was included in India's squad in place of injured Axar Patel, and now he might pip pacer Shardul Thakur for a place in the eleven. India will start their campaign in the quadrennial big bash on Sunday against Australia.

Ravichandran Ashwin Trains Intensely At Nets Ahead Of Cricket World Cup 2023 Match vs Australia

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went through an engaging net session in Chennai, ahead of World Cup 2023 match between India and Australia. Ashwin could be included as the third spinner behind Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav against the Aussies ahead of pacer Shardul Thakur considering a possibly gripping pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, and his hold over veterans David Warner and Steve Smith. Ashwin, who takes the ball away from the left-handers with his off-breaks, has had the measure of Warner in the past, dismissing him 11 times in the Tests.

"If I Was Captain...": Ex-India Star's Massive Take On R Ashwin Ahead Of Cricket World Cup

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the top bowling choices for the Rohit Sharma-led side right now and the team management should consider playing him in the Cricket World Cup 2023. The inclusion of Ashwin in the World Cup squad was met with varied reactions from fans and experts after he made a decent comeback in the ODI series against Australia where he took four wickets in two matches. Ashwin replaced the injured Axar Patel in the final Cricket World Cup squad after he was ruled out following the injury he picked up during Asia Cup 2023.

Ravichandran Ashwin's Reverse Sweep In Nets Sparks Meme Fest Ahead Of Cricket World Cup 2023

Ravichandran Ashwin made a sensational return to the Indian cricket team for the ODI series against Australia and thanks to his brilliant performance, he was included in the Cricket World Cup 2023 as a replacement for the injured Axar Patel. Ahead of the Cricket World Cup, Ravichandran Ashwin was pictured playing the reverse sweep in the nets and that resulted in social media users coming up with hilarious memes. Ashwin will be part of the spin trio including Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad and his batting will also be a key asset for India who will be hoping for him to score some important runs down the batting order.