(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been surprisingly included in the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on the 22nd of September in Mohali.
Ashwin is also in consideration for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and may have a chance to feature in the 15-member World Cup squad if he can impress the selectors during the series against Australia.
Former India leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who featured in 36 ODIs, opined that Ashwin is undoubtedly a wicket-taking bowler in ODIs, however, stated that his fielding skills are below par compared to others and that’s the only reason he might miss the bus for the World Cup 2023.
“Ashwin is undoubtedly a quality bowler and a wicket-taker, but remember this is not a 20-over game. It is of 50 overs. You have to bowl for 10 overs and field for 40 overs and might have to bat as well. No doubt he has been around for so long, has been a wicket-taker as well, but there is that matter of fielding as well and that is why a young player might be picked,” said Mishra during a discussion on Jio Cinema.
Mishra also reckoned that Ashwin will be assessed closely by the Indian team management in the series against Australia.
“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. It will depend on the wicket. If the wicket is dry, Ashwin will be picked or else Sundar, who gives the edge with his fielding abilities as well,” he added.
Ashwin was last seen playing ODI cricket for India in January 2022 against South Africa. Overall, the 37-year-old has played 113 ODIs for India and has taken 151 wickets with an bowling average of 33.49 and an economy rate of 4.94.
In 63 innings, he has scored 707 runs with an average of 16.44. Moreover, Ashwin has played 42 ODIs in India and has taken 65 wickets.