World Cup 2023: Don’t see a place for R Ashwin in the starting XI, says Gautam Gambhir ahead of final vs Australia

Former India opening batter Gautam Gambhir has said that he doesn’t see a place for spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the starting XI in the final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. India is all set to face Australia in the final of the 2023 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.

ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023: Full Coverage

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Gambhir said he doesn’t see a place for Ashwin in the starting XI, insisting that India should not tinker with what has worked for them.

“I don’t think so (on Ashwin playing the final). I don’t see a place for him and why would you even tinker with what is working for you. What better performance can you expect from your five bowlers,” said Gambhir.

He went on to say that it’s time to praise India’s bowling unit for delivering under pressure. Indian bowlers have picked a total of 95 wickets in the ODI World Cup, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Sirah , Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja constituting 85 of those dismissals.

“After Hardik’s injury, we have spoken that with just five specialist bowlers, teams will look to target one or two of them. However, that hasn’t happened because of the quality of the five bowlers. We have spoken a lot about batters and I feel it is time to praise the bowlers for delivering under pressure,” Gambhir added.

India booked a spot in their fourth ODI World Cup final, while Australia reached the final of the competition for a record-extending eighth occasion. The Men in Blue were immaculate in the league stage, winning all nine of their matches, to top the points table.

Meanwhile, Australia recovered from losses against India and South Africa in their opening two league games to go on a seven-match winning streak to finish in third place in the group-stage.

Rohit’s men went on to beat New Zealand by 70 runs in the first semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, while the Aussies saw off South Africa in the second semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16.