”You are playing in Asian conditions” – MSK Prasad suggests Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup squad

For the Asia Cup 2023 and following ICC ODI World Cup 2023, former India selector MSK Prasad thinks it would be beneficial for India to get Ravichandran Ashwin back into the ODI lineup.

”You are playing in Asian conditions” – MSK Prasad suggests Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in Asia Cup and ODI World Cup squad

MSK Prasad and R. Ashwin ( via Times of India )

In an unexpected turn of events, former India selector MSK Prasad has backed the return of experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to ODI cricket. Prasad, who was India’s captain from 2016 to 2020, believes Ashwin’s talent could be vital to the country in the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC ODI World Cup. Prasad believes that the spin-friendly conditions of India and Sri Lanka could be the ideal setting for Ashwin’s return to white-ball cricket, recognizing his undeniable skills in the test cricket.

Prasad’s recommendation is based on Ashwin’s ability to take upon the left-handed batting lineups like Australia’s. Ashwin’s limited overs career has been distinguished by occasional appearances, with his most recent ODI occurring in January 2021. Additionally, he was assigned as the main spinner during the 2021 T20 World Cup, but he disappeared after the tournament.

YouTube video

The BCCI has yet to formalize the squad for the Asia Cup, leaving a window for Ashwin’s possible inclusion as a wild-card entry. Prasad’s selection is a result of Ashwin’s amazing match-winning potential, despite his exclusion from important matches such as the Test series against England and the WTC final against Australia.

“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 oppositions 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”, said MSK Prasad.

After a four-year absence from T20Is, his selection in the 2021 T20 World Cup squad was based upon his IPL performances. With the Asia Cup beginning at the end of August and the ICC World Cup coming in October, all eyes are on Ashwin to see if his ODI experience will once again work its spell.

Also read: Jay Shah holds 2-hour meeting with Rahul Dravid in the USA regarding future of Indian Team

Ravichandran Ashwin explains why it’s ‘very difficult to be friends’ with Indian players

For the Asia Cup 2023 and following ICC ODI World Cup 2023, former India selector MSK Prasad thinks it would be beneficial for India to get Ravichandran Ashwin back into the ODI lineup.
Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin ( image via Getty )

The recent statement by Ravichandran Ashwin that the Indian players are more “colleagues than friends” upset Indian cricket fans. Despite the fact that Ashwin sees no ‘bad’ in the equation, some retired cricketers have been taken aback by the team’s transformation over the years.

Ashwin, returning to the topic, noted that there seems to be a disconnection between what he says and what others are taking away from it. He also shed light on the current state of Indian player friendships and why it’s difficult to be friends with them.

In case you missed :