This is very good news - MSK Prasad on R Ashwin's inclusion in the India squad

India will be up against Australia for a three-match ODI series ahead of the World Cup 2023 campaign, and unsurprisingly, a lot of the focus is focussed towards the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the squad. 

The off-spinner will be back in action after a long time in the 50-overs format and experts believe that he should also be a part of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming World Cup.

The rumours have started swirling that if Axar Patel fails to recover from the quadriceps tear which he suffered against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, then India may opt to head into the tournament with Ashwin in the squad, considering the off-spinner’s glittering numbers in the Indian conditions. 

Not only has Ashwin been a stellar performer with the ball, but he also adds balance to the lower middle order with his handy batting prowess.

Former Indian chief selector, MSK Prasad, believes that Ashwin will be an incredible addition to the Indian side, considering his ability to take wickets. Talking to Star Sports, Prasad said, “This is very good news, I said it previously as well, Ashwin will be a handy option for the Indian team that too in home conditions.”

Highlighting the details, Prasad further added, “He is close to 500 wickets in all three formats combined in Indian conditions. In all teams these days, there are at least 3-4 left-handers, so against left-handers he will be deadly. I hope he can do well against Australia and get selected in the World Cup squad as well.”

Ashwin’s last ODI came for India in January 2022 and it has been almost 20 months that the seasoned offie got a game in the 50-over format. 

While the three-match series against Australia will give India a chance to test out team combinations, a lot of eyes will be on Ashwin's performances in light of his possible inclusion in the India squad for the World Cup 2023.