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‘Best Off-spinner In The World’- Sourav Ganguly Backs R Ashwin’s Inclusion In World Cup Squad

image-lnbngta0Ravichandran Ashwin in action [AP]

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has lauded the decision to include Ravichandran Ashwin in India's World Cup 2023 squad as a replacement for Axar Patel, who was ruled out of the marquee event after failing to recover on time.

The initial squad announcement of India for the World Cup raised questions about the absence of Ashwin, the sole specialist offspinner, given the inclusion of three left-arm spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel.

Later, Axar Patel, who sustained a leg injury during the Asia Cup, failed to complete his recovery on time, and that opened up a slot which eventually went to the Tamil Nadu off-spinner. 

Asked about R Ashwin's inclusion, Ganguly hailed him as the cricket world's finest spinner and viewed Axar Patel's injury as a fortunate twist for Ashwin. Here's what the Ex-BCCI president told India Today during a recent conversation: 

“He is an outstanding spinner. He is probably the best off-spinner in the world. And also, he is the best spinner in India. I always think that being a specialist is very important in this format. It’s a very good decision. Maybe it is a coincidence as Axar Patel was out for injury. But I think it's a very good decision.” 

Sourav Ganguly further emphasized that Team India doesn't require excessively spin-friendly pitches to win matches in the World Cup, given their formidable batting and potent bowling attack, capable of defending any target. Ganguly added: 

“I don't think turners are needed. India has to play with good wickets. India's batting is very strong. They will do good runs and the bowling side is also good to defend.”

Team India will begin their World Cup 2023 campaign by facing Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match will be played on October 14 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.