Indian cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, has hinted at the possibility of a last-minute change in the World Cup squad. Veteran off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, has been making a strong case for his inclusion ahead of the 28 September deadline.
Ashwin’s Return to ODI Scene
Despite Ashwin’s sporadic appearances in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2022, Sharma emphasized that his cricketing prowess should not be underestimated. This was evident in the second ODI against Australia in Indore, where Ashwin showcased his exceptional skills.
“The class and experience that Ashwin brings to the table cannot be overlooked. His performance in the last couple of games has been commendable,” Sharma said.
Ashwin’s Performance in Shorter Formats
Ashwin’s recent performances have shown that he has not lost his touch in the shorter formats of the game. His variety of skills could be invaluable in high-pressure situations during the World Cup.
“Ashwin has a lot of variations in his bowling. If given a chance, we can explore many options. We are prepared with all the backups and are happy with how things have planned out in the last couple of weeks,” Sharma added.
Axar Patel’s Injury and Ashwin’s Chance
With Axar Patel still recovering from an injury and the deadline approaching, Ashwin has a chance to make it to the final squad. Sharma also mentioned the uncertainty in the team due to a viral sickness.
“We have only 13 players to choose from currently. It’s important for us to look after the players’ well-being. We want everyone to be fresh for the World Cup,” Sharma said.
India’s No.1 Ranking and World Cup Preparation
Sharma downplayed India’s No.1 ranking in the ODI series, stating that it does not really matter. He emphasized the need to focus on the present and play good cricket.
“Rankings are not our primary concern. We have bigger things to worry about. We have challenged ourselves in the Asia Cup and the Australia series to prepare as much as possible for the World Cup,” Sharma stated.
He concluded by saying that the team’s focus is on the bigger picture and not on whether they whitewash Australia.