R Ashwin best Off-spin bowler in India
R Ashwin best Off-spin bowler in India | Image source - @TwitterWisden

Off-spinner talent will pose a significant challenge for Team India in the upcoming series like ICC world Cup 2023. Given the presence of many leg-spinners in the team. While we currently have several leg-spinners in the India squad, some of whom also participate in the IPL, the list of off-spinners is short. Every team squad should ideally include players with various skills to increase their chances of winning at the world level.

Off-spinner talent will pose a significant challenge for Team India

Presently, Team India boasts world-class batsmen, leg-spinners, and all-rounders. However, there is a noticeable shortage of off spinners in the squad. Notable among the emerging off-spinners is Washington Sundar, who plays in the IPL and occasionally finds a place in the Indian team squad.

During the recent Australia tour of India in 2023, selectors made the surprising decision to include off-spinner R Ashwin in the Indian team, replacing Axar Patel. While we have a range of excellent left-arm orthodox spin bowlers in the form of Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin appears to be the sole prominent off-spinner suitable for the ICC World Cup 2023 tournament. Ashwin brings a wealth of experience, having participated in multiple World Cups and one-day series.

Axar Patel likely to be ruled out for Asia Cup 2023 Final, Washington Sundar joins India as his replacement
Washington Sundar | Getty Image

The selectors’ decision to include him in the India-Australia series proved to be wise, as he performed admirably in the last few matches, taking four wickets. Ashwin has consistently delivered impressive performances in recent series and the 2023 IPL, accumulating 12 wickets in 13 IPL innings with a strike rate of 23 and an average of 29.50. He has taken a total of 155 wickets in 115 ODIs. Whereas Washington Sundar has taken 16 wickets in his only 17 Matches.

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While Ashwin may secure a spot in the ICC World Cup squad, it is crucial for Team India to invest in young off-spinners. Young cricketers have a promising opportunity to be selected as off-spinners. For Ashwin, this World Cup may be his last chance if he is chosen. The Indian captain recently Rohit Sharma has also praised Ashwin’s talent, especially after former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch commented on Ashwin’s potential exclusion from India’s final squad for the ICC World Cup.” after selected in India-Aus tour.