(Cricket News) R Ashwin has not been included in India’s squad for the upcoming three One-day Internationals, which are set to begin in Bridgetown on Thursday. It has been 18 months since the 36-year-old last played a 50-over game. However, discussions are ongoing about his potential inclusion in the 50-over World Cup squad. The consideration arises from the presence of two spinners in the West Indies series squad who possess similar skills, namely left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Additionally, the squad also comprises two other slow bowlers, Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
Ashwin’s ability to bowl with the new ball is seen as a significant advantage, which might tip the scales in his favor, according to insider sources. If Ashwin were to be included, Axar Patel could be the one to miss out. However, the final decision will depend on the team management’s preferred balance.
The process of player selection will commence during the three ODIs against the West Indies. India has a total of 12 games, including the possibility of playing the final of the Asia Cup, before the World Cup. The Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in the 50-over format this year, will serve as the platform for India to field their core playing 11 for the World Cup. The team management will have some crucial choices to make during this period.
Since his last appearance in one of the 113 ODIs during the South Africa tour in 2022, Ashwin has not been part of the 50-over setup. While he has been involved in consecutive T20 World Cup campaigns, securing a spot in the ODI team has proven elusive due to competition from Jadeja, Patel, Kuldeep, Chahal, and Washington Sundar. However, with Sundar’s inclusion in the squad for the Hangzhou Asian Games, which coincides with the World Cup, Ashwin’s chances seem slim.
For India, finding the right combination of spinners is crucial, especially when playing on home turf.
In the victorious 2011 World Cup, India fielded only three spinners, benefiting from the presence of Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina/Yusuf Pathan, and Virender Sehwag, who could be relied upon to contribute with their bowling. In contrast, the current frontline batsmen, led by Rohit Sharma, are predominantly specialized as batsmen.
As a result, Rohit may need to rely on medium pacer Hardik Pandya as the sixth bowling option. Pandya could also serve as the third seam bowling option if the team management decides to include three spinners in the playing XI.
Certainly, the versatile Jadeja bats lower down the order and plays a pivotal role as a key spinner.
Apart from the match against New Zealand in Dharamsala, India’s fixtures against other formidable opponents will take place in spin-friendly conditions, including venues like Chennai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
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