'Ashwin with his experience and his canniness will play as a key factor' - Former India player predicts Ravichandran Ashwin will play a key role for India in ODI World Cup 2023

The former India legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Ravichandran Ashwin might have a significant impact on Team India in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. The two-time champions are set to commence their campaign against Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Ashwin is poised to participate in his third major event after a last-minute inclusion in the squad, stepping in as a replacement for Axar Patel. The seasoned off-spinner joined the roster due to Patel's unfortunate quadriceps tear, which led to his withdrawal from the entire tournament.

The former India batter further expressed that Ashwin could play a crucial role for India during the middle overs. According to the former cricketer, the spinner's proficiency will prevent opponents from forming substantial partnerships, enabling India to limit the opposing team to a lower score.

"But that is not to worry. It is the middle overs which is...we saw what good pitch this was so players can play through the line when the ball is not deviating or turn or bounce. And this is where Ashwin with his experience and his canniness will play as a key factor. I'm not sure if they will play him in the XI for the big matches but he is the kind of bowler who can actually get you wickets in the middle overs, and that doesn't allow partnerships to build and subsequently, a team can be restricted to a low total,” the legendary India batter added.

India have effective seamers: Gavaskar

The 74-year-old legendary batter also stated that the India team have some efficient speedsters in their squad. The likes of players such as Bumrah who is an experienced campaigner will be leading the pace attack for the Indian team.  Gavaskar also expressed that the new ball bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami won't be playing together. There will be either one of them playing alongside Bumrah.

“To start with the new ball there is Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami...I don't know if all three of them will play in the World Cup, but these three are world-class bowlers. We saw Bumrah take a little bit of a hammering in Rajkot against Australia. He is too experienced a bowler to repeat those mistakes," Gavaskar was quoted as saying by India Today.