IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma Reveals Reason Behind Ravichandran Ashwin's Selection For Australia ODIs

Indian captain Rohit Sharma opened up about the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia. He said that the off-spinner brings in lots of experience with him and three games will give them the answer where he stands as he’s in their mind for the ICC World Cup 2023. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Indian squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma along with Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav have been rested for the first two ODIs. KL Rahul will captain the team while the four main players will return for the last game. 

What caught the attention of many was India recalled Ravichandran Ashwin into the ODI team after 20 long months. The off-spinner last played in the game against South Africa in 2022. With him being added into the squad ahead of the World Cup gives a clear indication that he’s in line for the main squad. 

India recently named their provisional squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. The team lacked off-spinner and there were lots of talks about Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion. The veteran spinner has finally returned to the team and the upcoming three games against Australia will be a great opportunity for him to seal a spot in the squad. 

Captain Rohit Sharma said that they thought of getting him in the side as he’s experienced. He added that for players like him, game time is not a concern as it all depends on mindset more than body. Speaking during a press conference, he explained: 

“Ravichandran Ashwin has been playing consistently in Tests. With guys like Ashwin, game-time and time on the ground is not so much of a concern. Which is why we thought if he is an option for us, we need to get him in. With the kind of experience he has, for guys like him, it’s all in the head more than the body. I thought getting him in could give is a chance to understand where he is at, how his body is and stuff like that.”

IND vs AUS: Games against Australia will give us the answer where he stands – Rohit Sharma on Ravichandran Ashwin 

Rohit Sharma further went on to say that they had conversations with Ravichandran Ashwin before selecting him. He admitted that although the off-spinner has not played ODIs, he has been playing cricket consistently. He explained: 

“It’s not like he has not been playing cricket for the last year or so. Yes, he hasn’t played in this [ODI] format, but he played Test cricket recently in the West Indies, and if I’m not wrong, in the TNPL as well. Of course, there’s no comparison but he has had some cricket there. The games against Australia will give us a chance to look at where he’s at.”

Ravichandran Ashwin has played 113 ODIs and in those games, he has taken 151 wickets at an economy of below 5 and an average of 33.5. Apart from this, he’s also a handy batter down the order as he has scored 707 runs in 63 innings.