“Someone who will fight till the last delivery,”- Sachin Tendulkar expresses happiness over Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in World Cup squad

Sachin Tendulkar called R. Ashwin an experienced campaigner and called his approach towards the game magnificent.

“Someone who will fight till the last delivery,”- Sachin Tendulkar expresses happiness over Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in World Cup squad

Sachin Tendulkar was happy Ravichandran Ashwin was in the Indian squad of the 2023 World Cup (Image via SportStar)

Sachin Tendulkar expressed his happiness with Ravichandran Ashwin being selected in the Indian World Cup squad. Ashwin came into the squad as the replacement for Axar Patel, who had injured himself in the 2023 Asia Cup. He played two ODIs for India against Australia where he picked up four wickets in two matches. 

Talking about Ashwin’s selection, Sachin said, “Ashwin is an experienced campaigner and someone who will fight till the last delivery. I know it. He would never be out of the game. His attitude, his approach towards a game is magnificent. I have always liked Ashwin as a bowler and a handy batsman.”

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R. Ashwin and Sachin Tendulkar were both a part of the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup winning squad. Sachin scored 483 runs in 9 innings, while Ashwin played only two matches picking up 4 wickets. 

Related: “Enjoying the tournament is of utmost importance,” Ravichandran Ashwin says 2023 World Cup could be his LAST one

Ravichandran Ashwin benched for Shardul Thakur against Afghanistan 

India play Afghanistan for their 2nd match of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. While R. Ashwin played the first match of the tournament against Australia, he was benched against Afghanistan. Seamer Shardul Thakur was selected ahead of the 37-year-old off spinner. 

R. Ashwin Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur was selected ahead of R. Ashwin (Image via ESPN)

As the pitch looked more batting friendly, the Indian team management decided to play four seamers in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur. Although there is debate over Mohammed Shami starting over Thakur, but Thakur adds the extra batting depth which is useful. 

Currently in the match between India and Afghanistan, India have conceded 63 runs, but have picked up 3 wickets. Bumrah broke the opening partnership after making Ibrahim Zadran edge the ball into the hands of KL Rahul. Hardik Pandya then dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz after being caught in deep fine leg by Shardul Thakur. Thakur dismissed Rahmat Shah after getting him out leg before wicket after bowling a wobble seam delivery.

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