Former left-arm spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a significant statement regarding the fast bowling attack of the Indian team ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027. He believes that relying solely on young fast bowlers is not enough for victory in the global tournament.
Call for Experienced Players
Ashwin appealed to the selection committee to give experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar another chance in the national team. In Ashwin's opinion, experience is the most valuable asset in major competitions like the World Cup, and it is this experience that Kumar can bring to the Indian squad.
Proof of Form and Utility
On his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin noted that Bhuvneshwar has proven his current form and maintained his potential in international cricket over the last two seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He emphasized that while he is not insisting on Kumar's immediate inclusion in the World Cup squad, he must at least be given one opportunity. Ashwin added that by playing for RCB for two seasons, Kumar has confirmed his physical fitness.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Strengths
According to Ashwin, Kumar's ability to make the new ball swing, his effectiveness in death overs, and his utility in lower batting orders set him apart from other fast bowlers. He also mentioned Kumar's outstanding performances in the IPL, noting that the experienced fast bowler was one of the key contributors to Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory.
Questions Regarding the Current Squad
Ravichandran Ashwin raised questions about India's current fast bowling lineup. While acknowledging the talent among younger players, he stressed the critical need for experience in World Cup level tournaments. He expressed doubt about a squad composed of players like Gurunoor, Prasidh, and Prince, stating that they should be supported by experienced players such as Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This balance between youth and experience, in his view, would make the team stronger.
Need to Form a Core Team
Ashwin believes that with the 2027 World Cup approaching, the selection committee should finalize the core fast bowling unit instead of constantly testing new players. He pointed out that players like Harshit Rana, Gunnor Bharara, and Prasidh Krishna have already been given sufficient chances. It is time to establish a core of four or five fast bowlers for the World Cup. Ashwin concluded that now is not the time for player preparation, but for determining four or five primary fast bowlers, three of whom will participate in the World Cup, and therefore an experienced player like Bhuvneshwar Kumar cannot be excluded from the discussion.
