Ravichandran Ashwin : The Indian cricketing fraternity has unveiled the roster for the impending trifecta of ODI clashes set to transpire against Australia, commencing on September 22. In a strategic move, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya have been afforded a well-deserved respite, thus ruling them out of participation in the first two ODIs.
In their stead, KL Rahul will assume the mantle of leadership for the initial duo of encounters. Of particular note is the inclusion of a seasoned campaigner, aged 37, who has been drafted into the Indian squad after a hiatus spanning 21 months, marking a pivotal juncture in his cricketing journey.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s luck shone
This forthcoming series bears paramount significance for Team India, serving as a crucible to temper their mettle ahead of the impending World Cup. The contests are set to unfold on home turf, effectively rendering them an invaluable dress rehearsal. Of utmost intrigue is the return of the 37-year-old spin maestro, R Ashwin, to the Indian ODI fold.
R Ashwin last graced the ODI arena donning the Indian colors in January of the previous year. The injury-enforced absence of Akshar Patel has precipitated the selection committee’s audacious decision to recall Ashwin to the fold.
A Tally of 151 Scalps in 113 ODIs:
In Ashwin, India not only possesses a wily spinner but also a capable lower-order batsman. The illustrious cricketer has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket, amassing 151 wickets at an impressive average of 33.5 across 113 ODI appearances. In addition to his exploits with the ball, he has wielded the willow to muster 707 runs, including a solitary half-century.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s ODI Performance:
Regrettably, Ashwin’s recent ODI performances have left much to be desired. In his last quintet of ODIs, he managed to secure a mere quintet of wickets. This underwhelming return includes a solitary scalp in a three-match ODI tussle against South Africa in January 2022.
Furthermore, the year 2017 witnessed Ashwin don the national colors in a two-match ODI series during the West Indies tour, where he mustered four wickets. However, his journey in the 2017 Champions Trophy culminated in a disappointing blank in the wickets column.
The Indian Team for the First Two ODIs:
KL Rahul (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-Captain), Rituraj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
The Indian team for the 3rd ODI:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Akshar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
