'I wouldn't be surprised if...' Ex-cricketer has a new role for R Ashwin in ODI World Cup

The past fortnight has proven to be nothing short of perfect for Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran spinner has been brought into the ODI World Cup 2023 mix from nowhere, and with obscurity still hovering over the selection of Axar Patel, the spin wizard may seal a spot in the final 15. Amid the unanimous opinions, a former Australia cricketer thinks Ashwin may not make it to the cut.

3 things you need to know

• India defeated Australia by 99 runs in the 2nd ODI
• With the win, India go 2-0 up in the series
• R Ashwin picked 3 wickets in the 2nd ODI

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Aaron Finch is not sure Ashwin will get in the final World Cup squad

After receiving a call-up to the 3-match bilateral series, Ravichandran Ashwin has made an instant impact. He has troubled the Australian batters in both games and snared away 4 wickets so far. At the Holkar stadium on Sunday, Ashwin dismantled the Australian batting line-up at a crucial stage which led to India's 99-run win. 

Courtesy of this performance many knowers of the game think that he has done enough to get a berth in the final World Cup squad, but former Australia captain Aaron Finch is not among them. Finch thinks he may not get to wear the World Cup 2023 outfit but his presence in the Australia series could come as a learning experience for others in the squad.

"I think he (Ashwin) might struggle to make it to the final 15, but as somebody who has played so much cricket, I think the rest of the group that is with the Indian team for this current series against Australia, they could learn so much about big gameplay," Finch said.

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Will Ashwin make it to the World Cup in 2023?

It is no secret that Ravichandran Ashwin is in the mix for the World Cup push, but if he gets in who would get the snub? Axar Patel is in the squad for the final ODI against Australia but his participation is subject to fitness. Thus, if Patel does not feature in the 3rd Ind vs. Aus ODI, then the chances of Ashwin's entry into the World Cup squad may get further solidarity. However, nothing concrete can be gauged until the team is unveiled.