Ashwin was not named in India's squads for the Asia Cup and World Cup 2023.
Ashwin said that he would be ready to play tomorrow if India required his services mentioning that Indian cricket is very close to his heart. The BCCI selection committee overlooked Ashwin as they went with Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Akshar Patel as the three spin-bowling options going into the World Cup.
“I have been playing for the last 14-15 years for Team India. I have had my great moments. I have had my fair share of failures too. Even I have had my fair share of failures and successes. But I have tattooed Indian cricket close to my heart. If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 percent,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
Ashwin, who was part of the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy-winning Indian teams, said that Akshar Patel should be given some space as there are too many expectations from the all-rounder. The left-arm spinner failed to take a single wicket against Sri Lanka in a Super-4 encounter in Asia Cup 2023.
“At this point in time, we are expecting a lot from Axar Patel. I feel like we should give him some space. If we don't have Axar, who is doing that role? Shardul. What are you expecting from him? 5-6 or sometimes 8 overs and pick 2-3 wickets,” Ashwin added.
India has already qualified for the final of the Asia Cup 2023 and will face the winner of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka encounter that is slated for September 14, 2023.