‘I decided it long back’- Star India bowler's take on India’s World Cup squad selection

Indian Cricket Team (Source-Twitter)

For the Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023, the Indian Cricket team management made an interesting choice when it came to selecting spinners. They decided to go with three left-arm spinners - Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. This decision raised eyebrows as veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin were not considered.

Some former India players had opined that Ashwin could have been a good addition to the team. Ashwin has been a consistent performer in Test cricket and has a vast amount of experience playing in different conditions around the world. His ability to pick wickets at crucial times and his variations make him a valuable asset for any team. Ravichandran Ashwin has supported the team selection and has also said he is ready to perform whenever called up.

"Even I have had my fair share of failures and successes. 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," he said on his YouTube channel.

'Axar should be given some space'- R Ashwin

Kuldeep Yadav has been outstanding so far in the Asia Cup, while Ravindra Jadeja has made good use of his experience. In comparison to the two, Axar Patel has been slightly off the mark. Ashwin suggested that Axar should be given some space.

"At this point, we are expecting a lot from Axar Patel. I feel like we should give some space. If we don't have Axar, who is doing that role? Shardul. What are you expecting from him? 5-6 or sometimes 8 overs and pick 2-3 wickets," he said

"Will Axar give you 10 overs every day? Maybe not. When the volume of overs comes down, he might end up pitching where he didn't intend it to. If he keeps bowling more overs and once he gets his confidence, he will be set."

When Ashwin was recently asked if not being considered for ODI World Cup selection affected him, he said: "I don't think like that, because the selection of the team is not my job. I had decided long back that I would not think about stuff that is not in my hand. I am honestly in a very good space in terms of life and my cricket and I try to keep negativity away from my thought process," 

"I live for the day and I have no unfinished business. But it's true that I would love to see India winning the World Cup again, even if I am not playing," he added.