Former India cricketer picks Washington Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin for 2023 ODI World Cup
Washington Sundar-Ravichandran Ashwin (source: Twitter)
Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong comeback to the ODIs for the Indian cricket team ahead of the team’s mini ODI series against Australia at home. If speculations are to be believed, Ravichandran Ashwin will also be named a part of the Indian cricket team’s 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, 2023. Ravichandran Ashwin has not played an ODI for the Indian team since January 2022 and will be playing his first ODI match of the year against Australia on 22 September in Mohali.
Former cricketer Amit Mishra recently appreciated Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance in the T20 cricket and gave him a heads-up regarding the one-day format. The 38-year-old Ravichandran Ashwin is competing with the youngsters Washington, Sundar and Axar Patel for a place in the squad.
Amit Mishra on Ravichandran Ashwin’s selection in the ODI team
Mishra believes the Indian cricketing selectors will prefer Washington Sundar over Ravichandran Ashwin for the ODI World Cup. If Axar Patel gets ruled out due to injury, considering Washington Sundar is a left-handed batsman and provides a better fielding option.
“Ashwin is undoubtedly a quality bowler and a wicket-taker, but remember this is not a 20-over game. It is of 50 overs. You have to bowl for 10 overs and field for 40 overs and might have to bat as well. No doubt he has been around for so long has been a wicket-taker as well, but there is that matter of fielding as well and that is why a young player might be picked,” he said.
“Indian team will be looking at how Ashwin will be bowling against Australia, and to assess if he still has the wicket-taking abilities in this format. The only reason why he is not in the team is because of his fielding and right-handed batting ability. It will depend on the wicket. If the wicket is dry, Ashwin will be picked or else Sundar, who gives the edge with his fielding abilities as well,” he added.
