Despite Ravichandran Ashwin not featuring in an ODI since January 2022, he has made a surprise return to the limited-overs squad shortly before the 2023 ICC World Cup. Captain Rohit Sharma has dismissed concerns over Ashwin's lack of recent match practice, noting that the vacancy created by Axar Patel's injury provided the perfect opportunity for Ashwin and Washington Sundar to return.
With Ravichandran Ashwin making a shocking return to the One Day International (ODI) format just a few weeks before the ICC World Cup 2023, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has stated that the veteran spinner’s lack of playing time is not a concern for his team. Ashwin last appeared in an ODI for Team India in January 2022. Axar Patel’s injury has allowed spinners Ashwin and Washington Sundar to return to the ODI team for the World Cup season.
Following the announcement of the ODI squad for the series against Australia, former cricketer Saba Karim praised the decision to bring Ashwin back into the fold. Speaking from his perspective as a former BCCI general manager of cricket operations, Karim highlighted that Rohit Sharma sees Ashwin as a genuine match-winner.
Karim believes that Rohit has a clear blueprint for how he wants the team to play white-ball cricket. With the World Cup on the horizon, the captain recognizes the nuances of the format and is prioritizing players who possess an attacking mindset and the ability to decide the outcome of a game.
Should Axar Patel fail to recover in time for the World Cup, either Ashwin or Washington Sundar are likely to take his place. While India has already named Ashwin and Sundar for the three-match series against Australia, Axar is hoping to be fit enough for the final ODI, though his inclusion depends entirely on his medical clearance.