Can R Ashwin make it to the India squad for ODI World Cup? Rohit Sharma thinks so

Axar Patel's injury during the Super 4 clash against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2023 has opened the door for spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to join the team.

Although the squad for the 2023 World Cup has already been announced, featuring Axar Patel, there is still room for slight changes as teams must submit their final list of players.

Ravichandran Ashwin was a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team and also featured in the 2015 World Cup in Australia. However, he missed out on a spot in the 2019 World Cup. Now, there are discussions about his potential inclusion in the 2023 World Cup squad.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has revealed that he is in talks with R Ashwin. "With the spin bowling allrounders, I think everyone is in the mix. Honestly, I've been speaking to Ashwin as well. We've had conversations over the phone. So he is very much in contention, as is Washington Sundar. We want those players who can contribute both with the ball and the bat," Rohit Sharma said in a press conference after the finals against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.

The need for a bowling allrounder

The India squad already had three bowling allrounders in Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, players with the ability to perform with both the bat and the ball on any given occasion.

Following Axar Patel's injury, Washington Sundar was called up to replace him in Sri Lanka. Although Sundar played in the final against Sri Lanka, he didn't get a chance to bat or bowl as India handed Sri Lanka their worst defeat in history by dismissing their entire team for just 50 runs.

Ravichandran Ashwin has played over 113 games, claiming 151 wickets.

Limited opportunities

While Ashwin's name has come up, his chances of selection appear slim due to two reasons:

• Firstly, Ashwin is past his prime, and the team management has numerous alternative options.
• Secondly, Washington Sundar seems to be the primary replacement for Axar Patel if Patel is ruled out of the World Cup squad.

One possibility is that Ashwin may be included in the squad that will play Australia in a three-match ODI series starting on September 22. Axar Patel won't be available for the first two matches, so the selectors could choose Ashwin for the squad.

If Ashwin is not selected for the ODI squad against Australia, then his chances of participating in the 2023 World Cup will be minimal.

The squad for the Australian series will be announced today at 8:30 pm by skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.