'If they require my service even tomorrow, I'll be ready': India veteran tells Rohit-Rahul

India will take on Bangladesh in an Asia Cup encounter at R. Premdasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. With Bangladesh already out of contention for a place in the Asia Cup finals, both teams could test their reserves in this clash. India have already qualified for the Asia Cup final and will play the winner of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match.

3 things you need to know

• Ravichandran Ashwin was a part of India's 2011 World Cup winning squad
• Ashwin has been a revelation in the red ball cricket 
• India open their World Cup campaign against Australia 

India have a tough task to cut out for in the World Cup

India picked up a 15 member squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup which comprises three spinners. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have been given the preferences as India will host the tournament solely for the first time. The last time they conducted the tournament alongside Bangladesh India lifted the trophy after a hiatus of 28 years.

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Ravichandran Ashwin was a part of that Indian contingent but the spinner missed the cut this time. The Rajasthan Royals spinner hasn't played white ball cricket for a long time and has mostly been involved in red ball cricket so far. Ashwin insisted he would be ready to play for Rohit Sharma's side if he is required to provide his service for Team India.

R. Ashwin insist he is ready to play for Team India

On his YouTube channel, he opened up, “I have been playing for the last 14-15 years for Team India. I have had my great moments. I have had my fair share of failures too. Even I have had my fair share of failures and successes. But I have tattooed Indian cricket close to my heart. If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 percent.

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Ashwin also backed Axar Patel as he believes the player should have some space. 

“At this point of time, we are expecting a lot from Axar Patel. I feel like we should give him some space. If we don't have Axar, who is doing that role? Shardul. What are you expecting from him? 5-6 or sometimes 8 overs and pick 2-3 wickets."

The BCCI announced the preliminary World Cup squad with chief selector Ajit Agarkar annopuncing the preffered choices for the mega tournament. While it is known that the squad announced will have no changes, R Ashwin could jump back into contention in case any injury occurs.