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Former chief selector for the Indian team, MSK Prasad has decided to back a rather unusual name for a call-up to the upcoming Asia Cup as well as the World Cup: Ravichandran Ashwin. The opinion came straight out of left field and left many scratching their heads about what Prasad’s reasoning could possibly be. He explained that Ashwin could be a useful player given the abundance of left-handers in opposition teams as well as the fact that the games were to be played in Asia were all factors that should mean Ashwin could be useful.
While Pakistan have already finalised their roster for the tournament, India are yet to announce their selection for the Asia Cup, and Ashwin might be a pick. While Ashwin is instrumental for the test team, selectors overlooked the player in the finals of the ICC World Test Championship as the team decided to go with a pace-heavy bowling offensive against Australia. But MSK Prasad still believes that he can offer a lot.
Prasad stated, “[I] still fancy Ravichandran Ashwin. You are playing in Asian conditions, and I think he is one guy who might be very handy with so many left-handers in the opposition right now. Australia are filled with left-handers, we have seen that. Ashwin will definitely be useful because he is also in the best state of mind also. He can be handy, especially when you are playing in Sri Lanka and India.”
Ashwin won back his place in the squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup as a result of strong performances in the IPL. At the time he had last played a T20I game in 2017. This means that the spin expert has already had experience with being out of the national side and earning back his place on merit.
India prepare for Asian Cup in October
India will be facing rivals Pakistan potentially three times in the upcoming Asian Cup. The battle for bragging rights in Asia will begin in October. The team will have no time to rest, however, as the World Cup will begin shortly after.
This year, India is under huge pressure to put the last few World Cup performances behind them and have a solid showing at home. Defending champions England will be looking for consecutive World Cup wins while Australia will also seek to reclaim their place at the summit of the ODI game.
