Ashwin should be integral to 2023 World Cup plans, say former India players

Ex-selector Jatin Paranjape as well as former off-spinners Rajesh Chauhan and Arshad Ayub back Ashwin to be India’s big weapon at next year’s mega event

Ex-national selector Jatin Paranjape and two former India off-spinners—Arshad Ayub and Rajesh Chauhan — are on the same page as far as experienced offie Ravichandran Ashwin’s white-ball cricket future is concerned.

Ashwin, 35, made a comeback in ODI cricket after nearly five years against South Africa recently. However, he managed just a solitary wicket conceding 121 runs in two games as the KL Rahul-led Indian team lost 0-3.    

The Cheten Sharma-headed selection committee picked two squads for three ODIs and as many T20Is against West Indies, starting with the first 50-over game at Ahmedabad on February 6. However, Ashwin’s name was missing from both teams, which will be led by fit-again Rohit Sharma.

Adding to the possibility that Ashwin has been dropped is the fact that he was not among the names BCCI secretary Jay Shah provided updates on. The press release said Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were rested while Ravindra Jadeja was recovering from a knee injury. Axar Patel would be available only for the T20 series.

“He should be in the World Cup [in India, 2023] plans. They [selectors] might be wanting to try out a few guys before the mega event. But Ashwin would definitely be in my plans for the 2023 World Cup. He will make a big difference,” Paranjape told mid-day.com.

Jatin Paranjape

Ashwin (151 scalps from 113 ODIs), was replaced by off-spinner Washington Sundar, 22, for the WI series.  

Ayub, 63, who claimed 41 wickets in 13 Tests and 31 ODI wickets from 32 games, said: “Ashwin is fit, batting well too. I think he still has a lot of years left in him. Maybe they [selectors] are giving him a break or something. He is still good enough to be the No.1 spinner for India. He is one bowler who can really be an asset to the team. Sundar has got a lot to learn.”

Rajesh Chauhan

Bhilai-based Chauhan, 55, felt Ashwin will make a comeback. “It’s not that Ashwin’s bowling qualities have disappeared. He will make a comeback. If they [selectors] wanted to select Sundar, they should have picked him along with Ashwin in earlier series. That would help him learn from Ashwin’s experience,” remarked Chauhan, who claimed 47 and 29 dismissals in Tests and ODIs respectively.

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