Explained: Here's Why Ravichandran Ashwin Isn't Part Of India's Squads For ODI And T20I Series vs West Indies

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was not named in the Indian ODI and T20I squad which was announced for the upcoming series at home against the West Indies and now the reason for the same has been revealed.

Ashwin was a surprise pick for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup 2021, which happened in UAE. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner was not part of the white-ball plans since 2017, but thanks to some good performances in the IPL 2021 and lack of experience in the spin department, Ashwin was recalled in the Indian squad.

He also played in the recent ODI series against South Africa but failed to make an impact as India lost 0-3 in the one-day international series. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) explained the reason behind a few other absentees in the team for the West Indies series at home, the reason behind Ashwin’s name being missing wasn’t revealed.

Wrist And Ankle Injuries Keep Ravichandran Ashwin Out Of West Indies Series

While the BCCI has not given any official reason for leaving out Ashwin from the West Indies ODI and T20I series, a report in the Times of India has revealed why the right-arm off-spinner will be missing in action for a considerable time.

The report has suggested that Ravichandran Ashwin had suffered wrist and ankle injuries while playing in the ODI series in South Africa and hence needs time off from the game to recuperate.

During the ODI series between India and South Africa in Cape Town, Ashwin had apparently twisted his ankle and fell on his wrist, hence incurring injuries. How serious is the injury isn’t entirely established as yet but the selectors weren’t keen to rush the offie back considering the importance he holds.

By picking the veteran spinner for the West Indies assignment, the risk of Ashwin aggravating his injuries was a big one. The selectors, hence, didn’t want such a situation to arise. Kuldeep Yadav was recalled to the Indian ODI team, while Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar will partner Yuzvendra Chahal in the spin department of India’s team in both ODI and T20I formats.

Axar Patel has also been named in India’s T20I series after missing the South Africa tour due to injury.

India’s ODI squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan

India’s T20I squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-captain), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel.

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