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Rahul Dravid Hints Out At Ravichandran Ashwin’s Inclusion For World Cup 2023

image-lmt48xylRavichandran Ashwin in action for India (Twitter)

Indian coach Rahul Dravid has hinted out a possibility of including Ravichandran Ashwin into the side for the upcoming 2023 World Cup at home. The legendary spinner was recently recalled into India’s squad for their pre-tournament home series against Australia.

Ashwin, who played the last of his 113 ODIs nearly two years ago in South Africa, expectedly did not find his name among India’s initial 15-player squad for next month’s World Cup event. However, coach Dravid has stated that the spin veteran was always in contention to make a surprise return into the team in case of an injury issue.

R Ashwin might well replace Axar, hints Dravid

Team India is set to host Australia for a three-match ODI series at home to mark their final set of fixtures prior to next month’s 2023 World Cup. Team’s ODI discard Ravichandran Ashwin received a surprise call-up to the Indian side, as preferred spin all-rounder Axar Patel continues to recover from the wrist injury he sustained at the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

Ahead of the first ODI against Australia, Indian head coach Rahul Dravid has said that Ashwin was always in contention for a return in case of an injury issue. Moreover, after the ace spinner was excluded from team’s World Cup 2023 squad earlier this month, captain Rohit Sharma had stated that doors were not entirely shut for the all-round veteran.

Dravid, meanwhile, praised Ashwin for his invaluable experience with both bat and ball across formats. While speaking with JioCinema on eve of the home series against Australia, the cricketer-turned-coach said:

“The experience of Ashwin is good for us, he can contribute with the bat at 8 and he was always in plans if there was an injury issue.”

The three matches against Australia between September 22 and 27 serves as Ashwin’s final chance to warrant a place in team’s World Cup 2023 squad. The quadrennial event will commence on October 5 in Ahmedabad, while India’s opening fixture will be played on October 8 against Australia in Chennai.