Ravichandran Ashwin Remains in Contention for India’s World Cup Squad

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized that veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is still very much in contention for a place in India’s World Cup squad, even though he was initially left out of the provisional roster.

The initial 15-member squad for the World Cup on home soil featured Kuldeep Yadav as the sole specialist spinner, alongside spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. However, when Axar Patel suffered an injury just before Sunday’s Asia Cup final in Colombo, India opted to replace him with Washington Sundar rather than Ashwin.

Ultimately, off-spinner Washington Sundar did not have the opportunity to bowl in the final as India dominated Sri Lanka, securing a 10-wicket victory.

Rohit Sharma clarified that Sundar’s selection as a replacement should not be interpreted as a sign that Ashwin, who last played in a one-day international in January 2022 and is currently 37 years old, has fallen out of favour.

“As a spinner all-rounder, Ashwin is in line. I have been talking to him on the phone,” Rohit Sharma told reporters following India’s eighth Asia Cup victory.

“The injury happened to Axar at the last minute. Washington was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us. He (Washington) was cricket-fit because he was part of the Asian Games camp. I have been very clear with players about their roles. Everyone is in the loop.”

Teams participating in the World Cup have the flexibility to make changes to their squads until September 28.

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While the Asia Cup victory serves as a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup, Indian batter Shreyas Iyer was absent for much of the tournament, including the final, due to a back spasm.

Rohit Sharma provided an update on Iyer’s condition, stating, “Shreyas was not available for (the final) because certain parameters were kept for him to tick off. I should say he is right 99% as of now. He looks good, he batted and fielded for long hours (in the nets), and he was on the ground long before we came to the ground. I don’t think it is a worry for us.”

India is scheduled to host Australia in a three-match ODI series later this month, with the two teams set to face off again on October 8 in Chennai for their World Cup opener.