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Cricketers often find the task of juggling all three formats of the game to be exceedingly demanding. This frequently leads them to consider stepping away from at least one format before eventually retiring from international cricket. Given the declining popularity and relevance of the One-Day International (ODI) cricket, it might become the format that players choose to prioritize less or even let go of altogether in the future.
Recently, Indian superstar Ravichandran Ashwin hinted at the possibility of retiring from ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup.The 37-year-old off-spinner made this revelation during a conversation with fellow cricketer Dinesh Karthik on Star Sports. Ashwin, who replaced the injured Axar Patel in India’s 2023 World Cup squad, expressed his perspective on the tournament, saying, “I have kept saying this, this could be my last World Cup for India.”
While Ashwin missed out on the 2019 World Cup squad, he played pivotal roles for the team in the 2011 and 2015 editions, taking 17 wickets in 10 matches with best figures of 4/25.
‘Enjoying the game has been my prime motto for the last four to five years’: R Ashwin
Speaking about his unexpected selection for the 2023 World Cup, he shared, “I honestly wasn’t thinking about being here. Enjoying the game has been my prime motto for the last four to five years, and I would like to do that again in this tournament.”
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Ashwin also emphasized on the importance of handling pressure in a tournament like the World Cup, stating that being in a positive mental space and training to enjoy the game would benefit his performance. He expressed his desire to relish the tournament and prioritize enjoyment over all else.
“Pressure is of paramount importance for most players in this tournament. Being in a good space and training to enjoy the game will hold me in good stead I reckon. Want to enjoy the tournament. I don’t know. For me enjoying the tournament is more important,” the Chennai-lad added.
As India prepares for their first CWC 2023 match against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, a venue known to favour spinners, Ashwin may have the opportunity to shine on his home ground, adding an extra layer of significance to what would be his last World Cup campaign in ODI cricket.
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