'Saah baat kahi hain'-Fans react as MSK Prasad believes star India spinner should be in World Cup squad

MSK Prasad has backed Ravichandran Ashwin for the upcoming World Cup. The veteran off-spinner made a surprise return to India’s ODI.

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Rohit Kumar
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MSK Prasad

MSK Prasad (Source- Twitter)

Former Team India chief selector MSK Prasad has backed Ravichandran Ashwin to be in the side for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. The veteran off-spinner made a surprise return to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series at home against Australia. If Axar Patel does not get fit before the mega event India will look to replace him with Ashwin.

Ashwin was initially not picked in the 15-man squad for the World Cup. He last played an ODI for India in January 2022. Fans will hope that the off-spinner to shine against Australia and find his place in India’s ODI World Cup squad, keeping the subcontinental conditions in mind.

I have been saying for a while that Ashwin will be very useful for India: MSK Prasad

MSK Prasad said, ''I think Ashwin will be slightly ahead now that a bowler of his stature has been called into the mix. I have always felt that Ashwin should have been in the mix from the time the team got into the ODI World Cup mode. Look, let us hope that Axar is fit for the final ODI in Rajkot. Because if he is fit, however well Ashwin or Washy bowl, it will be Axar who will retain his place. If he has been your pick ahead of these two, then you have to have him if he is good to go.''

"This is a very good news. I have been saying for a while that Ashwin will be very useful for India, that too in Indian conditions. He has taken close to 500 wickets in India across formats. Every team has 3-4 left-handers and he will prove deadly against the left-handers. I hope that he performs well against Australia and get selected in India’s World Cup squad."

He further added, ''I believe some of the tracks will offer help for spinners. In Chennai, think about Ashwin’s possible match-up against Steve Smith or a left-hander like David Warner. Yes, his successes came in the red ball (cricket) but just think about the possibilities.''

In 113 ODIs, he picked up 151 wickets with one four-wicket haul to his name. It will be interesting to watch if Axar does not get fit by the time of the World Cup who will replace him in the squad.

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Ravichandran Ashwin