Published By: Amar Sunil Panicker
Last Updated: September 30, 2023, 17:32 IST
Guwahati [Gauhati], India
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed that this could be his last shot at winning the big prize with him being 37 years old. (Image: AFP)
India’s experienced spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed that the upcoming World Cup could be his last for India with the veteran being 37 years old.
Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday conceded the upcoming World Cup could be his last for India after the veteran spinner replaced Axar Patel in the hosts’ 15-member squad for the event, starting on October 5.
India at Asian Games: FULL COVERAGE | MEDAL TALLY | RESULTS | SCHEDULE
Ashwin, who enjoyed a successful outing against Australia featuring in the first two ODIs of the recently concluded series, was named as the replacement for Patel, who was sidelined due to quadricep strain.
Ahead of India’s first warm-up match against defending champions England here on Saturday, the 37-year-old Ashwin made the admission in a pre-match chat.
“Being in a good space, and enjoying this tournament will keep me in good stead. This could be my last World Cup for India, so enjoying the tournament is of utmost importance,” Ashwin told Star Sports.
READ MORE: ‘He’s the Best Spinner in this World Cup’: Ex-Pak Captain Heaps Massive Praise on ‘Match Winner’ Kuldeep Yadav – News18
“I would have said that you were joking. Life is full of surprises. Honestly, I did not think I would be here. Circumstances have made sure I am here today, the team management has shown trust,” said Ashwin while talking about his inclusion in the Indian squad.
Fortune has favoured Ashwin as he made the cut for India’s World Cup squad after Axar Patel managed to get injured and was ruled out of the marquee tournament.
Ashwin has played 10 matches for India in World Cup history with his last appearance coming in 2015.
He has bagged 17 wickets in the competition at an average of 24.88 and an economy of 4.36 with his best figures being 4/25.
READ MORE: ICC World Cup Warm-up, IND vs ENG: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorm Lash Guwahati, Standee in Barsapara Stadium Damaged – News18
Apart from Virat Kohli, Ashwin is the only member of the current Indian side who was also a part of their World Cup-winning campaign in 2011.
Ashwin said dealing with pressure would be crucial. “All you can do is turn the ball both ways, and I think I can do it. Dealing with pressure is paramount in these tournaments, and it will dictate how the tournament goes,” he said.
The veteran spinner has been a crucial part of India’s test team and has gone on to become one of India’s matchwinners in the longest format of the game. But his limited-overs career has been under uncertainty with the spinner making the squad for the T20 World Cup held in 2021. Since the disastrous campaign for India, he has barely featured in white-ball cricket since the recent Australian ODI series.
Before the Australian series, Ashwin missed out on the Asia Cup squad and made his last appearance for India in the fifty-over format in January against South Africa.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
