I don’t see Ashwin in India’s World Cup 15, he might be there as mentor – Aaron Finch

Former Australian skipper Aaron Finch feels Ravichandran Ashwin might not make it to India’s World Cup squad and he has been added for the three-match series against Australia as a mentor to guide other players.

Ashwin returned with figures of 1-47 in the 10 overs he bowled in the opening ODI against Australia at Mohali. Subsequently, Ashwin registered impressive figures of 3-41 in the seven overs he bowled in the second ODI at Indore.

The veteran off-spinner accounted for David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis. Ashwin has all the experience under his belt and he was added to Australia ODIs after Axar Patel suffered a quadriceps injury in the Asia Cup clash against Bangladesh.

“I think he (Ashwin) might struggle to make it to the final 15, but as somebody who has played so much cricket, I think the rest of the group that is with the Indian team for this current series against Australia, they could learn so much about big gameplay,” Finch said on Star Sports.

“Because Ashwin is somebody that stands up in big games, whether it’s a Test match or a T20 game, he has done it all throughout his career. So I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s there at the moment as a mentor around the group, but I don’t see him making that last 15, unfortunately,” added Finch.

Ashwin has scalped 155 wickets in 115 ODI matches at an average of 33.2 and an economy rate of 4.95. The off-spinner has all the experience under his belt and he would like to continue the good show.

The last date to make any changes to the World Cup squad is 27th September and it will be interesting to note the selectors decision if Axar Patel is ruled out with an injury.

The third ODI of the series will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on Wednesday.