Ravichandran Ashwin expresses his joy at joining India’s 2023 ODI World Cup team as a replacement for the injured all-rounder Axar Patel at the eleventh hour. Ashwin, who had previously participated in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, mentioned that this tournament might mark his final World Cup appearance. The off-spinner emphasized that his success in recent years has stemmed from his enjoyment of the game.
The seasoned player also highlighted that the Men in Blue will be under significant pressure as they aim to secure their first ICC title in a decade. To provide context, Ashwin’s last ODI World Cup participation was in 2015, and he was a part of India’s victorious 2011 World Cup team. In a pre-match discussion with Star Sports before the India vs. England warmup game on September 30, Ashwin stated:
“Honestly wasn’t thinking about being here (talking about his late selection for the World Cup). Enjoying the game has been my prime motto for the last four to five years and I would like to do that again in this tournament.”
“All you can do is turn the ball both ways and hope for the best. Pressure is of paramount importance for most players in this tournament. Being in a good space and training to enjoy the game will hold me in good stead I reckon.”
“[I just] Want to enjoy the tournament. I don’t know why I have kept saying this, this could be my last World Cup for India. For me enjoying the tournament is more important.”
Ashwin also mentioned that he preferred to stay out of the spotlight (avoid being in front of the camera) but agreed to it because Dinesh Karthik was conducting the interview. He stated:
“I told the media guy that he shouldn’t be putting me in front of the camera for a while now, but this is probably one of those situations where he said Dinesh Karthik is interviewing you, and I obliged the opportunity (chuckles).”
Ashwin recently returned to ODI cricket after a 21-month absence. In his comeback match during the first ODI against Australia, he managed to take just one wicket, but he improved with three dismissals in the second ODI. Overall, Ashwin has participated in 115 ODIs, securing 155 wickets at an economy rate of 4.94. During his last World Cup appearance in 2015, he claimed 13 wickets in eight matches with an economy rate of 4.29. Unfortunately, India was eliminated in the semi-finals against Australia.
Across all formats, Ashwin has an impressive tally of 716 wickets in 274 games, showcasing his versatility as an all-rounder who can also contribute with the bat, amassing more than 4,000 runs in international cricket.
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