IND vs AUS: The cricketing world was abuzz with speculation and surprise as the Indian cricket team’s squad for the forthcoming 3-match ODI series against Australia (IND vs AUS), starting on September 22, was unveiled on September 18. Amidst the roster of names, one inclusion stood out like a beacon – the seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin’s Unexpected Comeback:
Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to the ODI fold after a considerable hiatus left many cricket enthusiasts perplexed. The move to include him was met with raised eyebrows, but it seems there’s a well-thought-out strategy behind this decision.
Saba Karim’s Insight:
IND vs AUS: Shedding light on the rationale behind Ashwin’s selection, former Indian selector Saba Karim shared his perspective. He believes that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma perceives Ashwin as a genuine match-winner in the white-ball format.
Aggressive Attitude Matters:
Saba Karim emphasized that Rohit Sharma values Ashwin’s aggressive attitude, which can be a pivotal asset in limited-overs cricket. He stated, “I think Rohit Sharma sees Ravichandran Ashwin as a match-winner and he is very clear about the kind of attitude he wants to show in white-ball cricket.”
Five Attacking Bowling Options:
IND vs AUS: Saba Karim elaborated on Rohit’s strategy, revealing that the skipper aims to have five attacking bowling options in the team. Ashwin’s inclusion fits into this aggressive bowling lineup. “If he has Ashwin in the eleven, then he is the attacking option available,” said Karim.
Ashwin’s Quest for World Cup:
Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to the ODI format comes after a prolonged absence, and he was notably omitted from the Asia Cup 2023 squad. Now, with the Australia series providing a platform to showcase his skills, Ashwin aims to perform well and potentially secure his spot, especially if Axar Patel faces any setbacks.
IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma’s bold move in selecting Ashwin reflects his vision for the team’s aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket. As the ODI series unfolds, all eyes will be on Ashwin to see if he can deliver and cement his place in the squad leading up to the World Cup.
