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Former star Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has come up with a big statement while talking about the inclusion of veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin in India’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad. Ashwin was added to the Indian squad as a reserve just a few days back, only a few weeks before the commencement of the marquee international tournament.
Notably, Ashwin has also been picked in the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match home ODI series against Australia. The series will start with the first ODI on Friday, September 22 at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The ODIs against Australia are going to be very crucial for India to gear up their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.
"You are leaving it entirely to fate." - Irfan Pathan on including Ravichandran Ashwin
Coming back to Irfan Pathan’s statement, he felt that it was not a smart move to bring back a senior player in the squad of format, which hasn’t played for a long gap, especially in big-pressure tournaments.
“You can't get a better spinner than Ashwin in the entire world. But in a tournament as big as the World Cup, where there is immense pressure, you can't expect a senior player to walk in and play for the team in a format which he hasn't played for a long time and prove his worth. So you are leaving it entirely to fate,” said Pathan to Star Sports.
There is no planning here. Had there been a plan for Ashwin, they should have given him some game time before the World Cup. Yes, he will be playing against Australia, but is that enough? You have to bowl for 10 overs, adjust in the team as well and give India that result. It isn't that easy. Planning should have been better,” he added later.
Speaking of Ashwin’s appearance in ODIs, he played his last ODI 21 months back on January 21 2022 against South Africa in Paarl. Since then, he hasn’t played any ODI for India before being picked up in the squad against Australia.