In preparation for the forthcoming ODI World Cup 2023 kicking off on October 5, India has bolstered its squad by bringing in Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar for the upcoming 3-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on September 22. This series marks India's final bilateral commitment before the grand tournament.
Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra sheds light on the inclusion, suggesting that Ashwin's call-up might be a strategic move by the Indian team to ready him as a standby spinner. This decision comes in the backdrop of unforeseen circumstances like the Asia Cup Final when Axar Patel was benched due to a thigh injury. The situation highlighted the team's dearth of spin-bowling all-rounders, leading to Sundar stepping in for Patel during the final. Following this, Ashwin's selection for the Australia series was finalized.
Ashwin, a seasoned spinner who recently celebrated his 39th birthday, had been actively training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He has been maintaining close communication with the Indian team captain, Rohit Sharma.
"Ashwin is undoubtedly a quality bowler and a wicket-taker, but remember this is not a 20-over game. It is of 50 overs. The only reason he has been picked is because if a spinner gets injured, then the team needs to have a wicket-taking option, which Ashwin brings. Ashwin has got an edge as an off-spin option, as India already has two left-arm spinners and a wrist-spinner in Kuldeep Yadav," former India spinner Amit Mishra said while discussing the team selection on Jio Cinema.
Mishra points out a potential concern about Ashwin's return: fielding for a full 50-over match. This endurance factor, as per Mishra, might have contributed to Ashwin's prior exclusion in the build-up to the World Cup. Additionally, Mishra hints that the younger Washington Sundar might have an edge over Ashwin, primarily due to age advantages.
"Indian team will be looking at how Ashwin will be bowling against Australia, and to assess if he still has the wicket-taking abilities in this format. The only reason why he is not in the team is because of his fielding and right-handed batting ability. Jadeja and Axar are both lefties. Washington is a young player and has shown wicket-taking abilities apart from being a batting option. Plus, he provides an advantage with his fielding, something which holds importance in ODIs," he further added.
Overall, as the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, these selections highlight the strategic depth and adaptability of the Indian cricket team.
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