Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announce India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia beginning on 22nd September 2023. As senior members of the side like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have rest for the first two matches with KL Rahul being name as the captain.
In a surprising move, off-spinner R Ashwin has made a comeback to the Indian ODI team for the upcoming three-match series against Australia.
This selection has raise questions about the reasons behind it.
Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin turn down the team management’s call to arrive in Colombo to play the Asia Cup final on Sunday, as per reports.
As per sources, R Ashwin was call when Axar Patel was rule out of the final due to an injury sustain against Bangladesh.
But, R Ashwin was not fully fit to play the final straightaway.
Then, Washington Sundar got an opportunity.
There was a lot of criticism for not including R Ashwin in the World Cup squad earlier.
The national selectors spoke to R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal to be ready because they could be need anytime.
While, captain Rohit Sharma said that he is in touch with the players who could not make in the World Cup squad including Ravichandran Ashwin.
One of the primary reasons behind Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion is the uncertainty surrounding Axar Patel’s fitness for the upcoming ICC World Cup.
Ravichandran Ashwin will be competing with Washington Sundar for a potential spot in the World Cup squad if Axar doesn’t recover in time.
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This adds an element of competition and intrigue to the squad selection.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s journey in the ODI format has mark by intermittent appearances.
He last play an ODI in January 2022 in South Africa, and his selection for the World Cup remains contingent on Axar Patel’s recovery.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s T20 career has follow a same pattern, with his exclusion following the last World Cup.
In his ODI career, Ravichandran Ashwin has feature in 113 matches, showcasing his exceptional skills as a bowler.
He has claim 151 wickets, maintaining an average of 33.50.
When it comes to economy rate, Ravichandran Ashwin concedes approximately 4.94 runs per over, highlighting his ability to control the flow of runs.
One of his memorable ODI performances includes a best individual figure of 4 for 25.
Rohit Sharma said :
“With R Ashwin, the game time is not important as he has played over 100 Test matches and 100 ODIs. He is a champion bowler who knows how to perform in different conditions. The game time is in the head, and it is the experience that matters in the end,”.
In a bid to keep their star players fresh and mentally prepare for the World Cup 2023, India’s team management has decide to rest senior players like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav for the first two ODI games against Australia.
KL Rahul will take on the role of captain in these matches, providing him with valuable leadership experience.
Rohit Sharma said :
“As a spinner all-rounder, Ashwin is in the line, I have been talking to him on the phone. The injury happened to Axar at the last minute. Washington (Sundar) was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us. Washington was cricket-fit because he was part of the Asian Games camp (in Bengaluru). I have been very clear with players about their roles. Everyone is in the loop.”
This is not just another series, it’s the last opportunity for Team India to fine-tune their skills and strategy ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
The announcement of the squad for the crucial 3rd ODI against Australia has added an extra layer of intrigue to this already thrilling contest.
In what came as a surprise from Sri Lanka, India batter Sanju Samson left the Team India squad during the ongoing Asia Cup Super Four stage, as per sources.
Sanju Samson was a travelling reserve player in India’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2023.
As for Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper-batter has also not include in India’s squad for ICC World Cup 2023.
India’s Squad for First Two ODIs vs Australia
- KL Rahul (C & WK),
- Ravindra Jadeja (VC),
- Ruturaj Gaikwad,
- Shubman Gill,
- Shreyas Iyer,
- Suryakumar Yadav,
- Tilak Varma,
- Ishan Kishan (WK),
- Shardul Thakur,
- Washington Sundar,
- R Ashwin,
- Jasprit Bumrah,
- Mohd. Shami,
- Mohd. Siraj,
- Prasidh Krishna
India’s Squad for 3rd ODI vs Australia:
- Rohit Sharma (C),
- Hardik Pandya, (VC),
- Shubman Gill,
- Virat Kohli,
- Shreyas Iyer,
- Suryakumar Yadav,
- KL Rahul (WK),
- Ishan Kishan (WK),
- Ravindra Jadeja,
- Shardul Thakur,
- Axar Patel,
- Washington Sundar,
- Kuldeep Yadav,
- R Ashwin,
- Jasprit Bumrah,
- Mohd. Shami,
- Mohd. Siraj
As Team India is making ready itself for the all-important 3rd ODI against Australia, the spotlight is firmly on the players who will represent the nation in this critical encounter.
With the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on the corner, these matches offer a golden opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.
Fans can expect an intense battle as India strives for victory in the series, using it as a platform to build momentum for the World Cup 2023.
The cricket world watches with bated breath as these giants of the game prepare for a thrilling showdown in the lead-up to the most prestigious ODI tournament.
