Asia Cup 2023: 'Will Be Ready If India Require My Services,' Says Ravichandran Ashwin

R Ashwin said that he has tattooed Indian cricket close to his heart.

R Ashwin was not selected in India's squad for Asia Cup or the ODI World Cup.

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India's spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has said that the team will be ready for the Men in Blue as and when they require his services. It is pertinent to note that the veteran off-spinner was overlooked for a place in the side for Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Instead, the Ajit Agarkar led senior men's selection committee decided to go opt for a three-member spin bowling unit comprising of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

Ashwin made this remark in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel. He said that he has Indian cricket very close to his heart. "I have been playing for the last 14-15 years for Team India. I have had my great moments. I have had my fair share of failures too. Even I have had my fair share of failures and successes. But I have tattooed Indian cricket close to my heart. If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 percent," the 36-year-old said.

Meanwhile, Ashwin reckoned that a lot is being expected out of Axar Patel at the moment after he went wicketless in the match against Sri Lanka in their Super Four fixture at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

"At this point of time, we are expecting a lot from Axar Patel. I feel like we should give him some space. If we don't have Axar, who is doing that role? Shardul. What are you expecting from him? 5-6 or sometimes 8 overs and pick 2-3 wickets," Ashwin said.

As far as Team India is concerned, they are the only unbeaten team in Asia Cup 2023. They were challenged by Sri Lanka who restricted them to 213, courtesy of a five-wicket haul from Dunit Wellalage. However, in response, India bowled Sri Lanka out for 172 with Kuldeep Yadav scalping four wickets.