Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his belief that Ravichandran Ashwin should be a key bowling choice for the Rohit Sharma-led side in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Ashwin’s inclusion in the squad has garnered mixed reactions from fans and experts, but Harbhajan believes that the team management should prioritize his selection. Ashwin recently made a decent comeback in the ODI series against Australia, where he took four wickets in two matches. He replaced the injured Axar Patel in the final World Cup squad after Patel picked up an injury during the Asia Cup 2023.
Harbhajan emphasized the importance of skill in the selection process and highlighted Ashwin’s abilities as an off-spinner. He stated that if he were the captain or part of the team management, Ashwin would be among the first or second choices in his list of top bowlers. The selectors opted for Ashwin over Washington Sundar after Axar’s injury, a decision that Harbhajan fully supports.
In addition to discussing Ashwin’s selection, Harbhajan also praised the talents of explosive batter Suryakumar Yadav. He believes that Yadav should play in every match of the World Cup as he is a “pure match winner” who can single-handedly sway the game in India’s favor. Harbhajan advocates for Yadav to be included in the playing XI and suggested that his name should be mentioned first before considering other players. He regards Yadav as the team’s “ace of spades” and an ideal choice for the No. 5 position.
These comments from Harbhajan come as the cricket world eagerly awaits the start of the Cricket World Cup, with discussions revolving around team selections and strategies.