Veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was announced on September 28 as a member of the ODI squad for the World Cup, where he will replace all-rounder Axar Patel, who was unable to recover from a torn quadriceps injury in time.
The decision sparked excitement from cricket fans on social media, who were quick to point out that Ashwin was also part of the team that won the second World Cup title in India’s history in 2011.
Scores of fans also highlighted the fact that the spin wizard, along with former skipper Virat Kohli, are the only current members of the Indian team to feature in the side that won the landmark tournament in 2011.
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A section of analysts had seen Ashwin’s inclusion in the team as a writing on the wall, after Patel missed the third ODI against Australia due to an injury.
Ashwin, apart from being the front-runner to replace the injured left-armer, has also shown good performances with the bowler in the first and second ODIs against Australia. The 37-year-old finished with figures of 1/47 and 3/41 respectively, on both courses deemed high-scoring.
Popular cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhagle expects Ashwin to be included in the playing XI as well, if all-rounder Hardik Pandya remains a strong bowling option for the team.
“It was always going to be Ashwin after these two matches against Australia. I really feel for Axar Patel and hopefully he will make it to the big stage another day. India would rather go in with more bowling skill than an all-round package. If Hardik bowls well, I see Ashwin in First choice eleven.
