Ravichandran Ashwin says it would be challenging for selectors to pick ODI World Cup squad after South Africa series

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it would be a challenging job for the selectors to pick the ODI World Cup squad after a 2-1 series win against South Africa. Ashwin highlighted that the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be there in the squad.

While Rohit scored two fifties against the Proteas, Kohli smashed a total of 302 runs, including two centuries and one fifty. Ashwin said captain Shubman Gill will be there, whereas vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will also make the cut.

Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad both scored a century each against South Africa, Ashwin said they might be picked as backup openers in the ODI showpiece.

“I am very happy that I am not the selector. Maybe they will leave two out of the top five batters for South Africa. Rohit and Virat are gunning to be there. Gill is the captain and India have made a commitment. So this locks your top three. There is space for a spare opener. It could be between Jaiswal and Gaikwad. Shreyas will also be back. There is still a lot of cricket and things will be factored after the IPL,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.

Ashwin praised Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for putting in the hard yards behind the scenes and said the duo doesn’t need to prove anyone.

“Both have put in work and come in. The fact that they had to prove it is laughable. What is there for them to prove? They have given the message. We all have ups and downs in a long career. They don’t have to prove anyone. But if they have done it, this is an example for the younger generation coming through. You have to show this sort of commitment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ashwin said pressure was mounting on Yashasvi Jaiswal when he could not deliver in the first two games against South Africa. Jaiswal went on to score a match-winning knock of 116 runs off 121 balls in the deciding ODI.

“The pressure was on Jaiswal. Gill will be back, Ruturaj scored and Tilak was sitting out. There will be competition for places and he also knows it. He has always found that he is out of the team very quickly, so this knock was important for him. He curbed his natural instinct. It was unlike Jaiswal and he played his natural game later. It was about spending time. I loved how he made full use of the opportunity. Rohit helped him a lot to build the innings as well and it was good to watch,” he said.

India’s next ODI assignment is the three-match series against New Zealand.