A World Cup in India and no Ravichandran Ashwin — sounds odd, right? But it may be the case in World Cup 2023. The best off-spinner of the current generation has last played an ODI one and half years ago in South Africa. Since then, selectors have looked at other options, especially wrist spinners. Similarly, Suryakumar Yadav is also yet to prove his mettle in the 50-over format. With Asia Cup 2023 and WC on the horizon, new chief selector Ajit Agarkar is in Trinidad to discuss plans with captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid. The two will be a topic of discussion as well on the sidelines of IND vs WI 2nd Test.
“It’s wrong to say Ashwin is out of World Cup already. It’s the selectors’ call. We all know how important Ashwin can be on Indian pitches. Ajit is meeting Rahul and Rohit during the Test match and will discuss the squads for Asia Cup and WC,” a BCCI official privy to the information told InsideSport.
Also Read: BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar visits India’s dressing room during IND vs WI 2nd Test
It’s hard to believe that Ravichandran Ashwin will be playing any 50-over cricket. Although he has not retired from the format, he has been vocal against it. In fact, since 2019 WC, Ashwin has only played two 50-over games, taking just one wicket. However, in all likelihood, Ashwin will continue to be a Test specialist as long as he plays.
Furthermore, there may not be an Ashwin in World Cup 2023 because of how important wrist spinners have become in the limited-overs format. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have regained their wicket-taking form while Ravindra Jadeja is a guaranteed starter. There is also Axar Patel, who has done well with the bat and can provide depth.
Interestingly, Ashwin is not even playing the three ODIs against West Indies. Instead, selectors have sent both Chahal and Kuldeep.
There is also an interesting case of Suryakumar Yadav. World’s best T20 batter has not been able to cement his position in the ODIs. With KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer set to come back, SKY’s chances of playing the 50-over WC are slim. In fact, in the 15-member squad, India will opt for a wicketkeeper in either Ishan Kishan or Sanju Samson to cover for KL Rahul.
“Surya is definitely part of the plan but for now, he is only a backup. KL and Shreyas are definitely ahead. As Rishabh is unlikely to make it, an additional keeper in the 15-member squad is important. Agarkar will discuss that with Rohit and Rahul,” the official added.
InsideSport earlier reported that KL Rahul will be the designated wicketkeeper-batter in World Cup 2023. He is currently recovering from thigh surgery. However, he is set for a comeback in Asia Cup 2023 as his injury progress is going smoothly. He has already begun batting at the nets at National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Ajit Agarkar-Rohit & Dravid discussions on Asia Cup 2023
- The new chief selector Ajit Agarkar has not met Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid since taking charge.
- But more importantly, the discussions will be regarding squads of the Asia Cup and World Cup.
- The other important discussions will be regarding Suryakumar Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin.
- Both are not part of World Cup plans but Agarkar wants to discuss possibilities with both captain and the coach.
- Hardik Pandya and workload management of players ahead of Asia Cup and World Cup will also be discussed.
- It is likely that Hardik Pandya won’t lead in Ireland as the selectors want to manage his workload before Asia Cup and World Cup.
- Who will lead the side in Ireland is also an important topic of discussion.
- If SKY is not picked for Asia Cup, he is likely to lead as he is the designated vice-captain for now in T20s.
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