India spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin shared a video of himself practicing with the white ball in guidance of VVS Laxman, the head at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and Sairaj Bahutule, the spin coach at the NCA.
Ashwin last played a white-ball game for India in the T20 World Cup 2022 against England in the semi-final, which the Men in Blue side lost by 10 wickets. The Tamil-Nadu off-spinner was a surprise call-up for that event, but since then has not been considered for limited overs cricket.
He was also not considered by the BCCI selection committee when the squad for the World Cup 2023 was announced, though many experts lamented the lack of a right-arm off-spinner who could come in handy against the left-handers and could also contribute with the bat.
Many felt R Ashwin could’ve been a good addition to the Indian team and the spinner himself has said that he will be ready to play for India even if they require his services as Indian cricket is very close to his heart.
“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 said on his YouTube channel.
The Indian experiment with two left-arm spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Akshar Patel didn’t bear fruit in the Asia Cup with Akshar not being able to pick any wicket in the only match he has played against Sri Lanka.
It seems that R Ashwin is fancying a chance to play in the World Cup as he shared a video of himself bowling with white ball under the guidance of Sairaj Bahutule and VVS Laxman.
He posted the clip with the caption reading: “My kinda day. The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. However, the willingness to learn is a CHOICE. #cricketlife Thank you for the help @SairajBahutule @VVSLaxman281”
