“Never Thought I Would Play Only One Game in the World Cup’ – R. Ashwin

India’s offspinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, has revealed that he couldn’t believe he played only one match for India during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. India participated in a total of 11 matches in the tournament, including a semi-final against New Zealand and the final against Australia.

R Ashwin played only one match for India, which was their tournament opener against Australia in Chennai. After that, he was benched for the remainder of the tournament. India didn’t feel his absence at all as they went on to convincingly win all nine of their group stage matches.

Here’s what R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel:

“I honestly never thought my World Cup memories would end with the Australia game in Chepauk. I was bowling well and I was in good rhythm.”

R. Ashwin also revealed that he was set to feature in his second game in Dharamsala against New Zealand. However, the team had to adjust their tactics due to Hardik Pandya’s injury, preventing Ashwin from taking the field thereafter.

“Both Rohit and Rahul had clearly laid out plans as to which games needed three spinners and which games needed four fast bowlers. I was set to get my second game in Dharamshala against New Zealand but Hardik Pandya’s heartbreaking injury forced a change of plans. Hardik’s injury meant that we could only field five bowlers (three fast bowlers and two spinners or two fast bowlers and three spinners).”

Australia beat India by six wickets in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 to lift their sixth title.