Former Cricketer Amit Mishra reveals that the reason for Ashwin’s absence from the ODI squad is due to his fielding performance.
Amit Mishra reveals the reason for Ashwin’s absence in ODI squad
India is set to play against Australia before the marquee tournament at home ground. The spin all-rounder Axar Patel sustained an injury during the Asia Cup tournament due to which the Indian team made a call-up for Ashwin.
With the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, many experts have questioned the unplanned move by BCCI. There is also a possibility for his entry in the World Cup squad.
Ashwin hasn’t played in ODI format since January 2022. With many objections against team management’s move, Amit Mishra explained the probable reason behind the decision of the management.
Though Ashwin stands top in the Tests, his performance remains underrated in recent times. Yet he is one to help India during the times of crisis ahead of the World Cup. On this occasion, the India Skipper Rohit Sharma admitted that the inclusion of Ashwin in the ODI series is to test his abilities in the format.
Amit Mishra said, “Ashwin is undoubtedly a quality bowler and a wicket-taker, but remember this is not a 20-over game. It is of 50 overs. You have to bowl for 10 overs and field for 40 overs and might have to bat as well. No doubt he has been around for so long and has been a wicket-taker as well, but there is that matter of fielding, and that is why a young player might be picked.”
“The only reason he has been picked is that if a spinner gets injured, the team needs to have a wicket-taking option, which Ashwin brings. Ashwin has got an edge as an off-spin option, as India already has two left-arm spinners and a wrist-spinner in Kuldeep Yadav,” he said.
“The Indian team will be looking at how Ashwin will be bowling against Australia, and to assess if he still has the wicket-taking abilities in this format. The only reason why he is not in the team is because of his fielding and right-handed batting ability. Jadeja and Axar are both lefties.”
“Washington is a young player and has shown wicket-taking abilities apart from being a batting option. Plus, he provides an advantage with his fielding, something which holds importance in ODIs,” he added.
Other than Ashwin, Washington Sundar has been also in the lineup and will be competing against each other for the place in playing 11 for the two ODI matches and Amit Mishra said it will decided on the wicket-taking and fielding abilities as well.
“It will depend on the wicket. If the wicket is dry, Ashwin will be picked or ” Sundar, who gives the edge with his fielding abilities as well,” he said.
India and Australia will be playing their first ODI match on September 22 at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
