Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up on India’s pace attack ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin said Mohammed Siraj’s place in the ODI showpiece is not yet locked.
Siraj didn’t play in the first two ODI matches against New Zealand as India’s team management backed rookie pacers like Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi Dar. Furthermore, Siraj was also not named in India’s playing XI for the third game, but the match was abandoned due to rain.
Jasprit Bumrah is a sure starter, but the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar, and Anshul Kamboj will fight for their respective places.
“The race will be very close. Bumrah is locked in. But the way we have used Siraj, I am not sure if he is locked in. I hope he is, because he has the experience. Between Prasidh and Gurnoor, I feel Prasidh is slightly ahead. Arshdeep has also done well. Don’t count out Anshul. I think they will have to pick and choose. All of them are in the race for the World Cup squad,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
The former CSK spinner praised India’s fast bowlers for their impressive performance in the first two games against the Kiwis.
“I think this ODI series was going to be the most difficult one for India and even testing, as other series will happen in India. The conditions are not exactly the same as in South Africa, but it could test the batters in overseas conditions. So far, what Gurnoor, Anshul, and Nabi have done has been a positive. I think Nabi’s pace is still low, so I don’t know if he will be in contention for the World Cup. But Gurnoor and Anshul have given a good account of what they are capable of. I would have loved to see Nitish bowl a bit as well, because we don’t know about Hardik.”
The fourth ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Friday.
