Ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, India will play Australia in a three-match ODI series, starting September 22 in Mohali.

On Monday (September 18), the BCCI men's selection committee announced India’s squad for the 50-over series against Australia and there was a notable inclusion in it.

Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin, who played his last ODI in January 2022, received a call-up to the side, which indicates that he might be considered for the World Cup if Akshar Patel fails to recover in time from the quadriceps injury.

In order to gear up for Australia ODIs, Ashwin on Tuesday (September 19) took part in the ongoing VAP trophy organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

Playing for MRCA side against Young Stars CC at the SSN College Ground, Ashwin scored 12 off 17 balls before getting run out and then returned with the figures of 1 for 30 in his 10 overs.

As per a Mid-Day report, the Indian team management approached Ashwin after Akshar strained his left quadriceps during the Asia Cup. However, the ace off-spinner declined the offer as he was unable to get ready in such a short notice. The management then reached out to Washington Sundar, who took the first flight to Colombo and played the final.

Addressing a press conference, India skipper Rohit Sharma on Monday said: “With the kind of experience Ashwin has, he has played close to 100 Tests (94), close to 150 ODIs (113). Yes, it was all in the past but he has been consistently playing Test cricket. With guys like Ashwin, having time on the ground is not so much of a concern which is why we thought if he’s an option, we need to get him in. But with the kind of experience he has, for guys like him it’s all in the head more than the body."