(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is all set to play his third ICC ODI World Cup, having already featured in the 2011 and 2015 editions of the tournament. He replaced Axar Patel in the 15-member provisional World Cup squad announced earlier.
Ashwin made an ODI comeback recently as Axar got injured in the Asia Cup 2023. Ashwin’s name came into the limelight out of nowhere after Axar’s injury and he eventually ended up being selected for the quadrennial tournament.
Ashwin shared his expectations from the World Cup. In a chat with Dinesh Karthik on Star Sports, Ashwin opened up about his late selection into the team.
“I honestly wasn’t thinking about being here (talking about his late selection for the World Cup). Enjoying the game has been my prime motto for the last four to five years and I would like to do that again in this tournament,” said Ashwin.
Furthermore, the veteran mentioned that pressure is always there, especially in tournaments like the World Cup, and one can only try their best to get the desirable results. He also revealed that this could be his last ever World Cup.
“It’s all about making subtle variations (talking about the preparations) and dealing with pressure, all you can do is turn the ball both ways and hope for the best. Pressure is of paramount importance for most players in this tournament. Being in a good space and training to enjoy the game will hold me in good stead i reckon.
“Want to enjoy the tournament. I don’t know I have kept saying this, this could be my last World Cup for India. For me enjoying the tournament is more important,” he shared.
The 37-year-old world champion has played 115 ODIs for India. He has taken 155 wickets with an average of 33.2 and an economy rate of 4.94.