Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in India’s ODI side for the Australia series is a timely boost for the men in blue. Ashwin, who is one of the most experienced bowlers in the side, was also a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning side. He also has a proven track record in ODI cricket.
The off-spinner has played 113 ODIs for India, taking 151 wickets at an average of 33.5 and an economy rate of 4.94.
If Ashwin does make it to the Indian World Cup squad, then it will give the men in blue an advantage because of his ability to turn the ball even on flat tracks. This will be a valuable asset on Indian pitches, typically more conducive to spin bowling.
However, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan questioned the sudden inclusion of off-break spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and said that drafting Ashwin, who played his last ODI match in January 2022, showed a a lack of planning.
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“You can’t get a better spinner than Ashwin in the entire world. But in a tournament as big as the World Cup, where there is immense pressure, you can’t expect a senior player to walk in and play for the team in a format which he hasn’t played for a long time and prove his worth. So you are leaving it entirely to fate. There is no planning here,” Pathan said.
The three ODIs between India and Australia will serve as a dress rehearsal before the 50-over World Cup which begins on October 5.
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Twice champions India, who lost in the semi-finals in 2019, begin their World Cup campaign with an Oct. 8 contest against Australia in Chennai.