Last Update on: September 21st, 2023 at 08:33 pm
The sudden return of Ravichandran Ashwin into the Indian white-ball side has opened up a lot of questions on the thought process they have with the cricketer. With injury to Axar Patel, Ashwin is back in contention for a spot in the World Cup squad.
Axar Patel who was part of India’s Asia Cup and World Cup squad survived a hamstring injury in the match against Bangladesh. He also coped with a few blows on his wrist and thus was not fit to play the final.
Axar’s injury setback paved the way for senior all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin and youngster Washington Sundar to join India’s squad for the Australia series. While Ashwin earned a recall, Sundar retained his place in the squad that played the Asia Cup final.
In the pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI, head coach Rahul Dravid opened up on Ashwin’s addition to the squad for the Australia series and his chance of playing the World Cup.
Australia Series No Trail For Ravichandran Ashwin: Rahul Dravid
“Someone like Ravichandran Ashwin provides experience and also contributes with the bat at No. 8. This series is no trial for Ashwin, this is just an opportunity for him in this format,” Dravid told reporters in Mohali ahead of the series opener on Thursday.
Ashwin last played an ODI against South Africa in January 202. Thus he is making a comeback to ODI cricket after more than 18 months. The selectors announced the Indian squad for the first two Australia ODIs with Rohit and Kohli rested. The decision has divided the opinion of Indian cricket fans and experts.
KL Rahul will lead the Indian team in the first two games with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested. Kuldeep Yadav is also rested for the first two games as is Hardik Pandya. Eyes will be on who bats at number four and number six with Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav in contention.
