Rohit Sharma Looks At Ravichandran Ashwin As A Match-Winner, Says Saba Karim Ahead ODI Series Against Australia
Published - 19 Sep 2023, 06:00 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:19 AM
Former Indian wicketkeeper batter Saba Karim opened up about Ravichandran Ashwin’s section for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia at home. Saba Karim highlighted that skipper Rohit Sharma looks at Ravichandran Ashwin as a match-winner.
Ravichandran Ashwin was not included in India’s Asia Cup squad because he was not in the plans for the ODI World Cup 2023. However, the veteran off-spinner got an opportunity in the ODI format after Axar Patel was ruled out of the series due to a left quadriceps strain.
Ravichandran Ashwin Is A Match-Winner – Saba Karim
Speaking on Jio Cinema, Saba Karim highlighted Rohit Sharma’s understanding of one-day cricket dynamics, especially selecting players with an attacking mindset.
“I think Rohit Sharma looks at Ravichandran Ashwin as a match-winner and he’s very clear in the kind of approach he wants to portray in white ball cricket,” Saba Karim told Jio Cinema.
“Now with the World Cup coming up, he understands the dynamics of one-day cricket quite well and knows that he has to pick players who have that kind of an attacking mindset,” he added.
Kuldeep Yadav has been rested for the first two games in the upcoming series. Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin will compete for a place in the playing XI. The two off-spinners have retained their place for the final match despite Kuldeep returning to the team.
Rohit Sharma Wants To Continue With Aggressive Approach – Saba Karim
Saba Karim believes that Rohit Sharma aims to have five wicket-taking options in his bowling lineup, suggesting that Ravichandran Ashwin provides that attacking option.
“He also knows that in his bowling lineup, he needs to have out of six, at least five wicket-taking options and if he has Ashwin in the eleven, then that attacking option is available,” the former selector further added.
“If you look at all the other players who are in the reserve – they all have that attacking mindset. So, I think Rohit Sharma wants to continue with this aggressive approach that we saw the Indian team play in the Asian challenge,” he concluded.
The 36-year-old wasn’t a regular member of India’s ODI squad and was recalled to the team after 20 months. Ashwin’s inclusion indicates that the doors are still open for him to make it into the squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 at home.
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