I personally feel that they should have someone like R Ashwin in the squad: Arjuna Ranatunga

The ODI World Cup 2023 is right around the corner. The marquee event is all set to begin on October 5, with India completely hosting the mega event for the first time in history. With the tournament nearing its beginning, several participating teams have announced their squads that will be taking on each other in a bid to give the final touches to their preparations for the World Cup. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced India’s squad as well, and much to the fan’s surprise, veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was nowhere to be seen.

Many came forward to opine that Ashwin should have been part of India’s squad for the World Cup, with former Sri Lanka cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga having a similar opinion as well. Taking the example of Pakistan and England, Ranatunga opined that the sides have proper spinners, with India only focusing on all-rounders like Jadeja and Axar Patel. He stated that Ashwin should have been included in India’s squad.

"You take Pakistan and England, they have proper spinners. So that is something I’m sure India will address before the Cricket World Cup 2023. They are looking more at the all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, but I personally feel that they should have someone like R Ashwin in the squad, if not in the XI," Arjuna Ranatunga wrote in his column for the Indian Express.

He can be a match-winner for you: Ranatunga

Furthermore, former Sri Lanka captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, heaped massive praise on Ravichandran Ashwin by opining that if he plays for India, he can be a serial match-winner for them. Despite being slow, Ashwin is one player who can take crucial wickets for India and get them out of dire situations.

Also Check: Most Wickets in Cricket World Cup 2023

"When he plays, he can be a match-winner for you. He may be slightly older, and he might be slightly slow on the field, but you need guys in the subcontinent who can contain and can take wickets. Sides that want to win most of the games, they do so by taking wickets and for that you need to have a balanced all-round attack," Ranatunga further mentioned in this column.