'Honestly Wasn't Thinking I Would be Here': R Ashwin Opens up on Last-Minute Entry in India WC Squad

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up on making a last-minute entry into India’s World Cup squad after Axar Patel failed to recover in time from his quadriceps injury. Ashwin will be playing his third ODI World Cup as earlier he was part of the 2011 winning squad and 2015 side which reached the semifinal. Ashwin and Virat Kohli are the only two players from the iconic 2011 WC-winning team who are selected in the upcoming WC squad.

Ashwin made a comeback to India’s ODI team with the series against Australia prior to WC. It was almost after a span of 20 months for Ashwin to make a return to the ODI set-up.

The veteran spinner had a chat with wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik for Star Sports where the former opened up on his comeback in ODIs.

“I would be saying you are joking,” he started off with laughter before adding: “Life is full of surprises and I honestly wasn’t thinking I would be here. The trust that the team management has shown and circumstances have made sure I am here today. But enjoying the game has been my prime motive over the last few years and that is what I will be doing in this tournament.”

Ashwin was preferred over Washington Sundar in the World Cup squad. The 37-year-old claimed one wicket in Mohali ODIs versus Australia, while he gained more control over the ball in second match where he scalped three. India chose Sundar in the third ODI where he remained wicketless.

The veteran spinner said that he is in a good state of mind and the 2023 mega event could be his last World Cup.

“All I do is turn the ball both ways and I feel I can already do that. It is all about doing subtle variations and dealing with pressure in these sort of tournaments. Pressure is of paramount importance for most players in these tournaments, but how you deal with it dictate how the tournament goes for yourself and the team. As far as I am concerned, being in a good space and enjoying the game will hold me in good stead. I have kept saying this, it could well be my last World Cup for India,” he said.