Ravichandran Ashwin made a surprising comeback into India’s ODI squad ahead of World Cup 2023 following Axar Patel’s injury. Ashwin will play his first ODI after a long gap of over 19 months. But before taking the field against Australia, the veteran off-spin all-rounder will play hi a 50-over match in Chennai on September 19 in a local league of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).
The 37-year-old was recently seen practicing at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He will play in the VAP Trophy's One-Day league for Take Solution MRPA against Young Stars at the SSN College Ground. Recently, he has also played in a few three-day games in the local league.
"He wants to spend some time on the ground, and a 50-over game will provide him with that opportunity. He recently visited the NCA for routine maintenance work on his body and to hone his skills under the guidance of spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. He's determined to prepare himself comprehensively for any and all challenges," a TNCA official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
As India's ODI squad for home series against Australia was announced on September 18, skipper Rohit Sharma was asked why Ashwin was included despite playing just two ODIs in the last six years.
"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 replied. "It's not that Ashwin has not played a single game for long, it's just the format."
On the other hand, chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear that Ashwin and Washington Sundar have been included to fill in for Axar Patel if he does not recover in time.
"There are couple of guys anyways, him and Washington. Look basically, what is being made known to us about Axar's injury is that he should be okay and call we will make it once we know that but it leaves us with option to check these guys if they need to go that way," Agarkar told the media during a virtual session.
"If the need arises, we will look at that way but I don't think there is any need to speculate right now because we are hoping that Axar is fit," he added.
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