Why Rohit Sharma and BCCI Chose R Ashwin for ODIs Despite Inactivity Since 2022

Khushi

The inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia has been a topic of discussion, primarily due to his limited activity in the ODI format in recent times. As India prepares for the ODI World Cup on home soil, questions have arisen regarding Ashwin's suitability for the team given his absence from ODIs since January 2022.

With the Asia Cup title recently added to their achievements, India finds themselves on the cusp of another significant challenge just weeks before the ODI World Cup. The three-match ODI series against Australia, scheduled between September 22 and 27, holds paramount importance. India's preparations, however, suffered a setback with the injury of Axar Patel, who has been ruled out of the first two games. In response to this development, the team management turned to Ravichandran Ashwin to fill the void.

While Ashwin's inclusion may have been expected due to a shortage of spin-bowling all-rounders, concerns have arisen regarding his lack of ODI game time. The last time Ashwin featured in India's ODI playing XI was back in January 2022 during the tour of South Africa, where he played two ODIs in Paarl. While this indicated that he might be part of India's ODI World Cup plans, he was not called upon again. In fact, these two appearances were his only ODI outings since the West Indies tour in 2017.

Rohit Sharma, India's captain, shed light on Ashwin's selection and his inactivity in ODIs. Rohit emphasized that a seasoned bowler like Ashwin, with nearly 100 Test appearances and 115 ODIs under his belt, doesn't necessarily need to be consistently playing in a particular format to remain relevant. Undeterred by Ashwin's lack of recent game time, Rohit expressed his confidence in Ashwin's vast experience and is eager to test him during the Australia series. This will allow the team management to assess their options in case Axar Patel becomes unavailable for the upcoming World Cup.

As India's ODI squad takes shape for the World Cup, the inclusion of Ashwin, despite his limited recent appearances, highlights the team's faith in his abilities and the importance of experience in high-stakes tournaments like the World Cup.