In June 2019, ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed confidence in India’s potential to dominate the tournament, drawing parallels to Australia’s supremacy in the early 2000s. He stated, “India will go on to dominate this World Cup like Australia did in 2003 and 2007.”
Ashwin’s optimism was rooted in India’s impressive performances leading up to the World Cup, including victories against South Africa and Australia. He highlighted the effectiveness of India’s spin duo, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, noting their consistent contributions to the team’s success.
Reflecting on the evolution of spin bowling, Ashwin acknowledged the reduced prevalence of off-spinners in limited-overs cricket, attributing it to the increasing number of right-handed batsmen and the consequent demand for left-arm spinners. However, he remained hopeful about the resurgence of off-spin, citing the impactful performances of veterans like Harbhajan Singh and himself in the Indian Premier League.
Beyond his on-field aspirations, Ashwin launched the ‘Ashwin Foundation’ in 2019, aiming to support young cricketers by providing scholarships and resources. This initiative underscored his commitment to nurturing future talent and giving back to the cricketing community.
Ashwin’s insights and initiatives reflect his deep understanding of the game’s dynamics and his vision for India’s sustained dominance in international cricket.
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