Will R Ashwin Play In IND vs AUS World Cup Final? Rohit Sharma Has His Say

R Ashwin has played just one match in World Cup 2023 so far and it came against Australia- the very opponent which Men in Blue will face on Sunday (November 19).

Rohit Sharma of India speaks during a press conference prior to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 at Narendra Modi Stadium on November 18, 2023 in Ahmedabad, India. ( Image Source :Getty )

It's the eve of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 final. Both Pat Cummins and Rohit Sharma- captains of the two teams that have made it to the finals of the tournament- addressed a media conference ahead of the summit clash. India skipper Rohit was asked about the Playing 11 that the team is looking to go in with at the Narenda Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (November 19).

While there are experts and pundits who want the team to go in with the same team that has won the semifinal and not try to fix something which is not broken, others feel bringing in Ravichandran Ashwin could be a good option, considering his record against Australia and given the fact that the only fixture the off-spinner played in the competition before came against the Aussies. Rohit did not rule out the possibiliy of Ashwin featuring in the summit clash but did not clearly mention whether he will play or not.



"There is an opportunity for all 15 to play. We will access the pitch and conditions today and tomorrow. The 12-13 men are ready but the Playing XI is not set and I want all 15 to be available for the match," the Indian skipper said at the pre-match conference.

Meanwhile, he admitted that it is emotionally a big game for them but they need to focus on the job at hand.

"Emotionally it is a big occasion. Without a doubt it is biggest dream for us. But for professional athletes, we have to play out game. The job of the 11 players will be to do their task despite the lingering thought at the back of the mind behind that this is the biggest day of their life," Rohit stated.

"It is extremely important to remain calm in these situations. The lads will be calm and then again it is a big occasion," he added.

The first ball of the IND vs AUS ODI World Cup 2023 final will be bowled at 02:00 pm (IST) on November 19.