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Rohit Sharma, the captain of Team India, has revealed his conversation with Ravichandran A shwin about potentially giving him a role as the spin bowling all-rounder in the upcoming ODI Worl d Cup 2023. The 36-year-old, who led the Indian cricket team to a famous win against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023, addressed the media in the post-match press conference about the direction the team management might adopt after Axar Patel’s injury.
The Indian all-round cricketer had suffered a left quadricep strain during the Super Fours Asia Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh on September 15, ruling him out of the final two days later. Washington Sundar, the like-for-like replacement, was picked in the Indian playing XI against Sri Lanka in the grand finale at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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During the post-match press conference after India defeated Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma stated, “As a spinner-all-rounder, Ashwin is in the line, I have been talking to him on the phone. The injury happened to Axar at the last minute and Washington was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us.”
“He (Ravichandran Ashwin) was cricket-fit because he was part of the Asian Games camp (in Bengaluru). I have been very clear with players about their roles. Everyone is in the loop,” the Indian captain added.
Moreover, Ravichandran Ashwin, who hasn’t played much ODI cricket for India in recent years, stated that if the team management requires his services even tomorrow, he will be ready for it. Speaking on his YouTube channel, h e said, “I have been playing for the last 14-15 years for Team India. I have had my great moments. I have had my fair share of failures too. But I have tattooed Indian cricket close to my heart. If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 per cent.”