Ravichandran Ashwin‘s most recent ODI appearance dates back to January 2022. India has suffered a significant setback as spin all-rounder Axar Patel will miss the Asia Cup 2023 final due to a left quadriceps strain.
His strain sustained during India’s Super Four match against Bangladesh. Patel was a part of India’s World Cup 2023 squad, where he was expected to play the role of the third spinner. Washington Sundar has been named as Patel’s replacement for the final.
If Patel is unable to recover in time for the World Cup starting on October 5, it could open up a spot in India’s squad, potentially allowing Ravichandran Ashwin to make a comeback to the ODI team. Ashwin has expressed his readiness to give his best whenever given the opportunity.
“If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 percent” – R Ashwin
“I have been playing for the last 14-15 years for Team India. I have had my great moments. I have had my fair share of failures too. But I have tattooed Indian cricket close to my heart. If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 percent,” stated R Ashwin during a conversation on his YouTube channel.
It’s worth mentioning that Ashwin’s last ODI appearance was back in January 2022 against South Africa, and he hasn’t been part of the team since then. Surprisingly, he was included in the T20 World Cup squads for both 2021 and 2022 despite not being in the mix leading up to those tournaments.
The 37-year-old’s last participation in an ODI World Cup dates back to 2015, but in the 2011 World Cup, he played a crucial role by taking four wickets in the two matches he featured in.
Yuzvendra Chahal is also aiming for a comeback
In addition to Ashwin, wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is also hoping for a comeback to the team, despite not being part of either the Asia Cup or World Cup squads. Chahal, who is 33 years old, has maintained good ODI stats since 2021, averaging just over 26 with 29 wickets from 18 matches.
However, he lost his spot to Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. It’s worth noting that India has the option to make changes to their World Cup squad until September 27 and may name a replacement if Axar Patel doesn’t recover in time.
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