Cricketers often find juggling in all three formats of the game very demanding. This often leads them to consider moving away from at least one format before retiring from international cricket. Given its declining popularity and relevance One Day International (ODI) Cricket, it may become the format that players choose to give less priority or even quit 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 the revelation during a conversation with fellow cricketer. Dinesh Karthik On Star Sports. Ashwin replaced the injured Akshar Patel on India’s 2023 World Cup squad, expressed his view on the tournament, saying, “I have repeatedly said, this could be my last World Cup for India.”
While Ashwin was left out of the 2019 World Cup squad, he played a key role for the side in the 2011 and 2015 editions, taking 17 wickets with best figures of 4/25 in 10 matches.
‘My main objective for the last four to five years is to enjoy the game’: R Ashwin
Speaking about his unexpected selection for the 2023 World Cup, he shared, “To be honest I wasn’t thinking of staying here. Enjoying the game for the last four to five years has been my main objective, and I want to do it again in this tournament.”
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Ashwin also stressed the importance of handling pressure in a tournament like the World Cup, saying that training to be in a positive mental space and enjoy the game will benefit his performance. He expressed his desire to enjoy the tournament and prioritize enjoyment over everything else.
“Pressure is the most important thing for most players in this tournament. I think training to be in a good place and enjoy the game will hold me in good stead. Want to enjoy the tournament. I don’t know that enjoying the tournament is more important to me.” Chennai-Boy added.
India are gearing up for their first CWC 2023 match Australia At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, a venue known for spinners, Ashwin could get a chance to shine on his home ground, adding an extra layer of significance to what will be his last World Cup campaign in ODI cricket.
