Ravichandran Ashwin has made it into India’s ODI squad for the home series against Australia ahead of the World Cup 2023. An injury to Axar Patel in an inconsequential Asia Cup match opened the doors for Ashwin who has not played a single ODI since January 21, 2022. Surprisingly, Ashwin has played just two ODIs in the last six years.
As chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-member squad for the three-ODI series against the Pat Cummins-led side in a press conference, skipper Rohit Sharma revealed why Ashwin has got a last-minute entry.
"With the experience Ravichandran Ashwin has, having game time isn't that big a concern. We did have conversations with him regards to fitness and everything," Rohit said. "It's not that Ashwin has not played a single game for long, it's just the format."
The last time Ashwin played against Australia in ODIs was in January 2016. He picked up two wickets in the two ODIs whereas his economy run rate exceeded six runs per over.
While Washington Sundar was roped in as Patel’s replacement for the ODI Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka, Rohit revealed in a press conference that Ashwin is very much in the scheme of things for the World Cup.
"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 was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us," said the 36-year-old.
Ashwin’s statistics as batter
Rohit has been clear that he wants bowlers who can contribute with the bat down the order. But the Tamil Nadu-born all-rounder has not had much success with the bat in ODIs. He has scored 707 runs from 63 innings at an average of 16.44. He has scored just one half-century in ODIs so far.
Bowling record against Australia
With the ball, Ashwin has not had a good record against Australia in ODIs. He has picked 16 wickets from 15 games but at a strike rate of 51. His best bowling figures against Australia were 2/51 in Bengaluru in 2013.
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