With the kind of experience he has – Rohit Sharma reveals reason to back Ravichandran Ashwin

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed the reason to recall Ravichandran Ashwin to India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia. Ashwin played a last ODI back in January 2022 against South Africa and his inclusion before the World Cup has raised some eyebrows.

However, with Axar Patel not fully fit after his quadriceps strain injury, India wants to keep their options open. In fact, the Indian selectors had not picked any off-spinner in their 15-man World Cup squad but they have included Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin at the 11th hour against Australia.

Ashwin has all the experience under his belt and he can deliver with both bat and ball. Ashwin has scalped 151 wickets in 113 ODI matches at an average of 33.5 and an economy rate of 4.94. Rohit said Ashwin brings a lot of experience and has backed him despite lack of game time in the ODI format.

“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,” Rohit said on Monday.

“So, we made the decision of speaking to him, understanding where he’s at with his body. It’s not like he’s not been playing cricket. Yes, he hasn’t played the format but he’s been playing. He played in the West Indies, and played in TNPL – no comparison but still some cricket. Games here against Australia will give us a chance to look where he’s at, how’s he bowling, how his body is feeling,” he added.

The first ODI between India and Australia will be played at Mohali on Friday.

India squad for first two ODIs against Australia: KL Rahul (captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, J Bumrah, M Siraj, M Shami, Tilak Varma, Prasidh Krishna, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar

Squad for 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, R Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, J Bumrah, M Siraj, M Shami, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel (subject to fitness), R Ashwin, Washington Sundar