R Ashwin Breaks Silence On Non-Consideration For ODI World Cup 2023

The 2022 T20 World Cup saw Ravichandran Ashwin make a dramatic return to the shortest format of the game. Banking on his Indian Premier League form, Ashwin found a place in India's T20 World Cup squad. While such a return to 50-over format can't be entirely ruled out, it doesn't look like the off-spinner is the selectors' plans for the ODI World Cup this year. When asked about his absence from the one-day format, especially in reference to the World Cup, Ashwin said that he had decided long ago to not give any mental space to such thoughts.

When asked if it affects him to not be considered for ODI World Cup selection, Ashwin said: "I don't think like that, because the selection of the team is not my job."

"I had decided long back that I would not think about stuff that is not in my hand. I am honestly in a very good space in terms of life and my cricket and I try to keep negativity away from my thought process," Ashwin further said in an interview with the Times of India.

The 36-year-old said that he generally doesn't believe in keeping any business 'unfinished' but he does have the desire to see India winning the ODI World Cup again, even if he is not a part of the team.

"I live for the day and I have no unfinished business. But it's true that I would love to see India winning the World Cup again, even if I am not playing," said the iconic spinner.

Ashwin was also asked about his old comment in an interview where he said that he contemplated retirement in the past. The veteran spinner opened up on that comment and also gave an update on his current mindset.

"I think you are connecting two things. I did not consider retirement because of injury. That was also probably one of the reasons and I was not sure how I would be