Axar Patel‘s injury during the Asia Cup compelled the Indian management to reintroduce Ravichandran Ashwin into the ODI squad for the first time since January 2022. Ashwin’s selection has garnered more attention and discussions than the upcoming series against Australia, which serves as India’s final preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
Despite being a top-notch spin-bowling all-rounder in Tests, Ashwin’s limited-overs cricket prowess has been underappreciated due to a lack of opportunities. However, he has consistently been India’s go-to option in times of crisis, a role he has filled in the last two World T20s and now in preparation for the ODI World Cup.
Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledges Ashwin’s experience and aims to test his abilities during the Australia series, given the absence of the injured Axar Patel. Amit Mishra, an expert with broadcasters JioCinema & Sports18, emphasized Ashwin’s qualities as a bowler and wicket-taker but stressed the broader responsibilities of an ODI player.
Ravichandran Ashwin is ready to return to ODI cricket in the Australia series
In addition to bowling 10 overs, an ODI player needs to field for 40 overs and be ready to bat if necessary. Mishra pointed out that while there’s no doubt about Ashwin’s bowling skills, his limited activity in the format is due to concerns about his fielding and his right-handed batting, in contrast to the left-handed Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.
“Ashwin is undoubtedly a quality bowler and a wicket-taker, but remember this is not a 20-over game. It is of 50 overs. You have to bowl for 10 overs and field for 40 overs and might have to bat as well. No doubt he has been around for so long, has been a wicket-taker as well, but there is that matter of fielding as well and that is why a young player might be picked.”
“The only reason he has been picked is because if a spinner gets injured, then the team needs to have a wicket-taking option, which Ashwin brings. Ashwin has got an edge as an off-spin option, as India already has two left-arm spinners and a wrist-spinner in Kuldeep Yadav,” he said.
“Indian team will be looking at how Ashwin will be bowling against Australia, and to assess if he still has the wicket-taking abilities in this format. The only reason why he is not in the team is because of his fielding and right-handed batting ability.”
“Jadeja and Axar are both lefties. Washington is a young player and has shown wicket-taking abilities apart from being a batting option. Plus, he provides an advantage with his fielding, something which holds importance in ODIs,” he added.
In addition to Ashwin, India has retained Washington Sundar in the squad as a replacement for Axar Patel in the final. Both players will compete for a place in the XI for the first two matches before Axar returns for the third tie. Mishra suggests that the choice between Ashwin and Sundar will depend on the prevailing conditions.
“It will depend on the wicket. If the wicket is dry, Ashwin will be picked or else Sundar, who gives the edge with his fielding abilities as well,” he concluded.
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