'If I deserve it and I am selected I would love to play,' Ravichandran Ashwin on World Cup selection

While most players are gearing up for the Indian Premier League, there is little denying the fact that the upcoming World Cup will be firmly on their minds. The players who are certain for the tournament in England will be looking to stay in form while the players who have fallen down the pecking order will be eyeing an impressive season to convince the selectors. Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin falls in the second category.

The off-spinner does not feature in India’s limited-overs plans for the time being. He last played in coloured clothing during the tour of Caribbean in 2017. His struggle on that tour and the preceding Champions Trophy finally prompted the selectors to try out Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav and the move has paid off so far. Chahal and Kuldeep have formed a formidable pair and have already impressed in tougher conditions of England, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

The two are more than likely to be on the plane to England. However, given the way the two struggled in the last ODI series against Australia, the team-management might be tempted to include an experienced campaigner like Ashwin. A good performance in the IPL could certainly put him in contention for a World Cup spot. But the Kings XI Punjab skipper is not at all thinking about it. In fact, he was irritated when the reporters asked him about the World Cup,

“I can’t answer the question. The selectors have to answer that. But as far I am concerned, I have played two World Cups. If I deserve it and I am selected I would love to play,” R Ashwin said ahead of KXIP’s season opener against Rajasthan.

“Cricket now a days reveals everything about a player. There is lot of analysis and cameras can read out every movement of your fingers. The secret is to adapt to conditions. Look at Virat Kohli, earlier he was very strong on the leg side but he adapted and now he is as strong on the off side too,” added Ashwin who played in the last two World Cups.

Target rusty Smith

Ashwin & his men are gearing up for their IPL opener against Rajasthan Royals. And ahead of the game, Ashwin said the team will target Steve Smith who is making a comeback to IPL after missing the last edition due to the ban imposed on him for ball-tampering. Smith is also set to play his first professional game since recovering from an elbow injury.

“We all know he is a quality player and must have worked and prepared hard during the break but comebacks are not easy,” said Ashwin.

“He must have put a lot of effort for a comeback mentally. I am sure he would look to perform and on the other hand we would look to take advantage of his rustiness,” he added.

Here is the KXIP squad for IPL 2019:

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