Senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was named in the Indian squad set to take on Australia in a 3-match ODI series slated to start on September 21. Meanwhile, the veteran failed to impress while playing a match in the ongoing VAP trophy organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. The right-arm spinner bowled his full quota of 10 overs and gave only 30 runs. However, the senior pro managed to grab only one wicket as his team completed an easy win over their opponents on Tuesday (September 19).
Ashwin played his last ODI match in January 2021
Ashwin earned his first ODI call-up since January of 2021. Recently, the off-spinner was spotted training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), under the watchful eyes of chief VVS Laxman and spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. To note, Ashwin himself wanted to play one match in the VAP trophy as dress rehearsal before joining the Indian squad in Mohali on September 20 (Wednesday).
“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.
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Ashwin was part of the Indian squad in World Cup 2011
Apart from Ashwin, some other spinners including Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washinton Sundar are also part of the Indian squad taking on Australia. Ashwin who has more than 150 ODI wickets might turn out to be India’s main weapon in the spin department if he gets a game. The veteran will be eyeing to seal his place in World Cup squad by performing well in the upcoming series against the mighty Australia.
If selected in the WC squad, Ashwin will be only the second player after Virat Kohli to represent India in the marquee event just like in 2011 when India scripted history. It must also be noted that he played a very crucial role in that tournament as bowled a decent spell against the Kangaroos during the Quarter-final’s of the 2011 WC. It remains to be seen if Ashwin will be given any chances in the playing XI with Kuldeep and Jadeja doing extremely well in the spin department.
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