Veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has batted for Ravichandran Ashwin to be named India’s captain if the team participates in the Asian Games 2023 in China later this year.

According to reports, the BCCI is planning to send both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams to the continental event, slated to be held in China from September 23 to October 8.

The men’s team is likely to be a ‘B Squad’ as the main team will be featuring in the 50-over World Cup, scheduled to be played in India from October 5 to November 23.

“I genuinely wish, if India sends a B team to this Asian Games, because the main team will be preparing for the World Cup and if they feel Ashwin is not part of the ODI setup, I really hope and wish that they make him the captain cause I think he deserves it,” Karthik quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Ashwin has played an instrumental role in Team India’s dominance over the years, especially in Test cricket.

In 92 Tests, the ace off-spinner has claimed 474 wickets so far at an average of 23.93, including 32 five-wicket hauls. He was also part of the Indian team that won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.

Hailing Ashwin as one of the greatest cricketers ever, Karthik said leading India will be a feather in his illustrious cap.

“I genuinely feel that he is somebody who has earned the right to be a captain of Team India for whatever achievements he has done,” Karthik remarked.

“I really hope and wish that the selectors take the call to make him the captain in the Asian Games which I think will be a feather on his hat that is something very well deserved for him,” he concluded.

(With Sportstar Inputs)