The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as R Ashwin makes his return to the World Cup stage, filling the void left by the unfortunate injury to Axar Patel. Sandeep Patil, the former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner, has openly expressed his delight at Ashwin’s inclusion in India’s World Cup squad, hailing him as the best off-spinner in world cricket today.
Ashwin’s journey to the ODI World Cup squad for 2023 was far from conventional. His selection came as a result of Axar Patel’s inability to recover from a quadriceps tear in time for the tournament. This unexpected turn of events stirred up discussions and debates across the cricketing world, marking Ashwin’s return to the grand stage of the World Cup after a gap of eight years, having last participated in the tournament in 2015.
However, Ashwin’s presence in the World Cup squad was not entirely unexpected, given his recent stellar performance in the three-match ODI series against Australia, which India won 2-1. In the first two ODIs of the series, Ashwin showcased his exceptional bowling skills, playing a significant role in India’s victories. His consistent form with the ball, coupled with Axar Patel’s unfortunate sidelining due to injury, made Ashwin an obvious choice for the World Cup squad.
The news of Ashwin’s inclusion in the World Cup squad was met with widespread approval and excitement among fans and cricket pundits alike. Sandeep Patil, who himself played a crucial role in India’s World Cup victory in 1983, shared his thoughts on the matter.
Patil, in an interview with The Telegraph Online, expressed his confidence in Ashwin’s abilities, stating, “Ashwin’s inclusion wasn’t a surprise at all. Not at all. He’s the best off-spinner in world cricket today, and I’m happy to see he’s in.” Patil went on to convey his sympathy for Axar Patel, who had to miss out on the World Cup due to injury, but he also saw a silver lining in the situation, dubbing it a “blessing in disguise” for India.
Ashwin’s inclusion in the World Cup squad not only adds a valuable spinning option to the team but also brings in a wealth of experience. With 418 wickets in Test cricket and numerous match-winning performances under his belt, Ashwin has established himself as one of the premier spinners in the world. His all-round skills, including his ability to contribute with the bat, make him an invaluable asset in the limited-overs format as well.
Speaking about his potential last World Cup appearance, Ashwin expressed his eagerness to savor the moment. “It will be all about enjoying the game. I have been saying that this might be my last World Cup for India. But I just want to keep enjoying it as life is all about surprises.”
Ashwin’s return to the World Cup stage is not just a testament to his skill but also an acknowledgment of his unwavering dedication and perseverance. He has shown that age is no barrier when it comes to performing at the highest level, and his inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to his exceptional cricketing prowess.
As the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, the Indian cricket team, along with their passionate fans, eagerly anticipates Ashwin’s performance on the grand stage. His experience, skills, and temperament will undoubtedly play a crucial role in India’s quest for glory in the tournament. The cricketing world will be watching closely as R Ashwin once again dons the blue jersey and brings his spin magic to the world stage.