Ravichandran Ashwin in line to make ODI comeback for World Cup 2023, here's why

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Ravichandran Ashwin, who last played an ODI match 18 months ago in January 2022, is in line to make an ODI comeback for the World Cup 2023. The 36-year-old veteran off-spinner had got a surprise call up in the T20I after a gap of four years ahead of the World Cup 2021.

Ashwin did not just play the 2021 World Cup in UAE, he went on to feature in the 2022 World Cup in Australia as well. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder did not get a chance to feature in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) against Australia in June and the number one ranked Test bowler minced no words in expressing how disappointed and dejected he felt after being benched.

However, he is very well in line to play his third consecutive World Cup in three years. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his panel is desperate to see India succeed at the World Cup 2023, and they are reportedly in a mood to send an SOS to Ravichandran Ashwin.

Except for their match against New Zealand in Dharamshala, India are playing all their matches against big opponents on spin friendly tracks and it's a fact there could be no better spinner than Ashwin in Indian conditions.

Ashwin's ability to bowl with the new ball and the depth he provides with the bat are two more reasons apart from the fact that India lack an off-spinner in their ODI setup. Washington Sundar was an option but he is out of contention for a World Cup spot after being named in the Asian Games squad.

Further, left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have similar bowling skills. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are wrist spinners. Therefore, a quality off-spinner in the form of Ashwin brings variation in the bowling unit and is a win-win situation for captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid and the selectors.

Ashwin is a finger spinner and that can also provide the control. Most teams have quality left-hand batters and Ashwin's type of edge over the kind of batters is known to the world now. It's no surprise that we get to see another surprise Ashwin comeback in a World Cup year.

Further, Ashwin brings with him a whole bunch of experience. He was part of the Indian team which won the 2011 World Cup. He also featured in the 2015 World Cup in Australia.