Ravichandran Ashwin Sends Heartfelt Message to Team India
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Renowned Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a heartfelt message with his teammates after not making the cut for the Cricket World Cup 2023 squad. Skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar unveiled the squad on Tuesday, which did not include Ashwin. The squad features three spin options in Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. While Kuldeep is the sole specialist spin bowler, Axar and Jadeja are versatile all-rounders. Ashwin, a Test cricket stalwart, last played in an ODI match in January 2022.
Following the squad announcement, Ashwin took to social media to convey his best wishes to the Indian cricket team.
The selection announcement was highlighted by the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul, whose fitness had been in question. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed confidence in Rahul’s fitness, despite his absence during India’s group-stage Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka. Rahul is expected to join the team for the Super 4 matches, commencing on September 9 against Pakistan.
Agarkar stated that the 31-year-old had successfully demonstrated his fitness, both in batting and wicketkeeping, at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
In addition to Rahul, Ishan Kishan was named as the second wicketkeeper-batsman. Captain Rohit Sharma left open the possibility of fielding both Kishan and Rahul in the playing XI when circumstances demand it. Sanju Samson, who was serving as a travelling reserve for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, did not secure a spot in the squad.
The middle-order spot was occupied by Shreyas Iyer, who featured in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan. There was competition for the remaining position between Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, leaving it a tough call for the selectors.
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