Ravichandran Ashwin will be back in India’s ODI set-up after a hiatus of 20 months as the veteran off-spinner was named in the squad for the 3-match series against Australia, starting Friday in Mohali. Ashwin replaced Axar Patel, who sustained a quadriceps injury in the Super Four game against Bangladesh which ruled him out of the Asia Cup final on Sunday.
Ashwin earned his first ODI call-up since December of 2021. He was recently seen training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), under the watchful eyes of chief VVS Laxman and spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, and is expected to play a local 50-over game before joining the team in Mohali.
Ashwin will feature in a league of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). The VAP Trophy’s one-day league is currently underway and the 37-year-old will take the field for Take Solution MRPA side at the SSN College Ground against Young Stars on Tuesday. In fact, he participated in several local three-day games a few weeks ago.
“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,” Cricbuzz quoted a TNCA official as saying.
According to Mid-Day, the Indian team management reached out Ashwin when Axar strained his left quadriceps during the Asia Cup. But the former turned down the offer as he was unable to get ready in such a short notice. The management then approached Sundar who took the first flight to Sri Lanka and played the final. Though he didn’t bat or bowl against Sri Lanka but did feature in India’s record 8th title win.
