Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed the players he believes should feature in India’s squad for next year’s ODI World Cup. As discussions continue around the BCCI selectors’ shortlist, Ashwin divided players into three categories: “Yes”, “Maybe”, and “No”, offering his assessment of who deserves a place in the team.

One of the biggest talking points from his selections was the inclusion of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. At the same time, Ashwin left out several established names, including Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return

Speaking in a video posted on ESPNCricinfo’s YouTube channel, Ashwin explained why he believes Bhuvneshwar should be part of India’s plans for the tournament in South Africa. “Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a yes. I would communicate to him. Get him to play all the tournaments, first-class, Vijay Hazare, everything, and get him primed going to South Africa. I think we will need him there,” he said.

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Ashwin’s confidence in the experienced fast bowler comes despite Bhuvneshwar having played only a limited number of ODIs in South Africa. Across 13 international matches in the country, he has claimed 19 wickets at an average of 35.26, including best figures of 5/24. Two of those wickets came in eight ODI appearances.

Players in Ashwin’s ‘yes’, ‘maybe’ and ‘no’ lists

Ashwin’s confirmed selections included several experienced players alongside a few younger names.

Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Bhuvneshwar Kumar all belong in the “yes” lost for Ashwin. 

The former off-spinner also identified a group of players whose selection, in his view, remains uncertain.

 Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna fall in the “maybe” category for Ashwin. 

Several high-profile cricketers did not make Ashwin’s preferred squad.

Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are in the “no” list of Ashwin. 

Bhuvneshwar’s recent form strengthens his case

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s impressive Indian Premier League campaign has added weight to calls for his return. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the experienced seamer enjoyed an outstanding season and finished as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker.

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He picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 while maintaining an economy rate of 7.95. His ability to generate swing and execute yorkers consistently proved effective even on high-scoring pitches.

Across his ODI career, Bhuvneshwar has played 121 matches and taken 141 wickets at an average of 35.11, with best figures of 5/42. Overall, he has represented India in 229 international matches and claimed 294 wickets, making him one of the country’s most experienced fast bowlers.

FAQs

Which players did Ravichandran Ashwin leave out of his World Cup squad?

Ashwin’s ‘No’ list included Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Washington Sundar and others.

Why did Ashwin back Bhuvneshwar Kumar?

Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar should be prepared through domestic cricket because he believes India “will need him” in South Africa.