Read on the application
Regarding Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, former fast bowler and TV commentator Irfan Pathan feels that the decision to include the world’s best spinner in the squad has been delayed. Pathan said, ‘There is no doubt that a better spinner than Ravichandran Ashwin will not be found not only in the country but in the world. He is a fantastic spinner but I believe the decision to include him in the team has been delayed. A big tournament like the World Cup where the whole world fights for the trophy. There is a lot of pressure. If you expect a senior player to come, suddenly play a World Cup and a format he hasn’t played in a long time will give results. I think you are going for luck, not planning. If the planning was right you should have played Ashwin in earlier matches.
Indian team jersey launch for world cup, these changes have happened, watch the video
He said, ‘Playing against Australia but is it enough? According to me, it is not easy to fit into the playing 11 so quickly and bowl ten overs and get a result. If you want to give Ashwin a World Cup, you have to give him a lot of matches before the World Cup.
Former selector MSK Prasad expressed his happiness on playing Ashwin in the series against Australia and said, ‘Ashwin will prove to be very beneficial for Team India in Indian conditions. So far he has taken nearly 500 wickets in all formats of cricket. All the teams participating in the World Cup have three to four left-handed batsmen for whom Ashwin will prove lethal. I hope that Ashwin will be effective in the series against Australia and will be able to make his place in the World Cup squad.
Harbhajan Singh calls these 4 teams strong contenders to win World Cup, insults Pakistan team
It may be noted that India have included R Ashwin and Washington Sundar in their 15-man squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia. Regulars like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav have been rested for the first two ODIs. KL Rahul will take charge of the team in Rohit’s absence. For the third ODI, the selectors have chosen the same team they will play with in the World Cup. However, Ashwin and Washington have been selected for all three ODIs.
Ashwin last played an ODI more than 18 months ago. Akshar Patel was injured during the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. If Akshar’s fitness does not improve before the World Cup, India may go with R Ashwin or Washington Sundar. Perhaps that is why these two players have been selected.
Indian cricket team begins preparations for Asian Games in Bengaluru, BCCI shares pictures
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said, ‘We hope Akshar will be fit. Vashi was already part of the squad for the Asia Cup final. Ashwin brings experience to the team. Having included these two players in this series, we will have the option to consider them later if needed.