BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar left the Indian cricket fraternity shocked when he announced the Team India squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia. The huge surprise was the recall of senior spinner R Ashwin into the side.
Ashwin has been picked for the impending three-match home series against Australia and could likely make the squad for the World Cup as well if Akshar Patel, whom he replaced, is unable to recover in time for the tournament.
Also included in the Indian squad for the three ODIs was off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar, who also remains in contention for the World Cup.
Ashwin last played an ODI match for India in January 2022 on a tour of South Africa, which remains his only appearance in the format in the last six years. Ashwin has played 113 ODIs, picking up 151 wickets, and was part of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winning teams.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif admitted that Ashwin would have never been in the scene had Akshar not been injured, however, he backed the veteran spinner ahead of Sundar for the Australia series.
"If Akshar hadn't been injured then we wouldn't have seen this move and Ashwin would have never been in the scene. Now Akshar has suffered a strain injury and that takes time to recover from. No matter what they say he will be back in a week but such injuries take at least 2-3 weeks to recover from. That is why they went for the experience in Ashwin. And remember, there is no comparison between Ashwin and Sundar. He has 900 wickets (712) across formats!" he said on Star Sports.
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However, Irfan Pathan, who was on the same panel as Kaif, differed and questioned the logic behind bringing back Ashwin. He accepted Ashwin’s experience and credentials but said that Indian team management should’ve given the off-spinner more matches before the Australia series.
"You get a better spinner than Ashwin in the entire world. But in a tournament as big as the World Cup, where there is immense pressure, you can't expect a senior player to walk in and play for the team in a format which he hasn't played for a long time and prove his worth. So you are leaving it entirely to fate. There is no planning here. Had there been a plan for Ashwin, they should have given him some game time before the World Cup. Yes, he will be playing against Australia, but is that enough? You have to bowl for 10 overs, adjust in the team as well, and give India that result. It isn't that easy. Planning should have been better," Pathan said.
The Australia series will begin from September 22 onwards and all eyes will likely be on Ashwin.
