Hamilton, Jan 31 (IANS): Former India opener Gautam Gambhir on Thursday backed ODI discard off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's inclusion in the ICC World Cup squad, saying the tweaker's experience will come in handy in the showpiece tournament, slated to be held from May 30 in England and Wales.

Gambhir, the star of the 2011 World Cup final, had recently announced his retirement from international cricket. He maintained that given a chance to replace any of the wrist spin duo of chinaman Kuldeep Yadav or leggie Yuzvendra Chahal, he would opt for the Chennai offie in the prestigious tournament.

"He (Ashwin) can be considered for the World Cup team as he is a premier spinner who has 300 Test wickets to his name. So, for me, if I ever must replace a Kuldeep or Chahal, I will pick up Ashwin," Gambhir was quoted as saying by Star Sports after India lost the fourth ODI to hosts New Zealand by 8 wickets.

"Also, he has a great temperament and has played a major role in winning many tournament titles. So, that experience will come in handy," the former Delhi skipper added.

Ashwin has been out of India's ODI action since 2017 when he last played against the West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on June 30 after which Chahal and Kuldeep have become the frontline spinners for the men-in-blue in the limited overs format.