Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has backed the World Cup selection of Ravichandran Ashwin. Prasad reckons Ashwin will be deadly while bowling to the opposition’s left-handers in the ODI showpiece. Ashwin has been added to India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia just before the World Cup.
The veteran off-spinner has been kept in the scheme of things for the World Cup after Axar Patel suffered a quadriceps injury in the Asia Cup clash against Bangladesh. Ashwin has scalped 151 wickets in 113 ODI matches at an average of 33.5 and an economy rate of 4.94.
But he last played an ODI back in January 2022 against South Africa and thus his selection has surprised a few former players, including all-rounder Irfan Pathan. As per the rules, all the teams can make changes to their World Cup squad till 27 September.
“This is very good news, I said it previously as well, Ashwin will be a handy option for the Indian team that too in home conditions. He has close to 500 wickets in all three formats combined in Indian conditions. In all teams these days, there are at least 3-4 left-handers, so against left-handers he will be deadly. I hope he can do well against Australia and get selected in the World Cup squad as well,” MSK Prasad told Star Sports on the show Follow the Blues.
There is no doubt that Ashwin has an impeccable record while bowling to the left-handers but his lack of game time in ODI cricket could be a concern if he is picked for the quadrennial event.
Ashwin has all the experience under his belt and he can deliver with both bat and ball. The veteran will look to hit the straps against Australia in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI will be played at Mohali on Friday.
