Highlights
The Indian team for the Asia Cup will be announced on Monday
R Ashwin may return to the ODI squad
New Delhi. Team India for Asia Cup will be announced after a day. The players who get a place in the Indian team for this tournament are almost certain to be selected in the World Cup team as well. There is an uproar everywhere on social media over the selection of some players. Especially in batting. Because Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are fully fit or not? This is not yet clear. In such a situation, if these two cannot clear the fitness test for the Asia Cup, who will play in their place in the middle order? There is a lot of discussion going on about this. Similarly, what spin bowling combination will the Indian team field in Asia Cup and World Cup? Everyone’s eyes are on this too.
Looking at recent performances, Kuldeep Yadav’s name is certain in both the Asia Cup and World Cup squads. Apart from that, Ravindra Jadeja will also play as a spin bowling all-rounder. Who will be Kuldeep’s partner now? The screw seems to be stuck on this. Because off-spinner R Ashwin is also likely to be selected in the 17-member squad for the Asia Cup.
Ashwin may be selected for the Asia Cup
Either Yuzvendra Chahal or Ashwin can be picked. However, Ashwin has been out of the Indian ODI team for the past almost 20 months. He last played an ODI in January 2022 on a tour of South Africa. Since then this off-spinner has not got a chance in ODIs. But, given the experience of Indian team management with the World Cup in mind, R Ashwin may be given a chance. That is also the possibility of his election. Because captain Rohit Sharma wants an off-spinner in the Indian team.
Sundar is also an option as an off-spinner
By the way, Washington is also an option as a fine off-spinner. Sundar is currently part of the Indian team in the T20 series in Ireland. Sundar was injured after the home series against New Zealand earlier this year and has been out of both the T20 and ODI squad since then. He has returned to the Indian team from the Ireland tour. In the last two years he was less in the team, more out due to injuries. This makes it difficult for him to return to the limited overs team again and again. Due to this, his claim for the World Cup is looking weak.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly said about R Ashwin that he has certain experience. He has also played in the World Cup. But, he rarely forms part of the Indian ODI team’s plans.
Ashwin has not played an ODI at home for 6 years
If Ashwin is selected in the World Cup team, will Team India gain or lose? Let’s understand. R Ashwin was part of the Indian team that won the ODI World Cup at home in 2011. He also played in the 2015 World Cup. But, he could not make a place in the Indian team in the last World Cup. If we look at Ashwin’s performance in both the World Cups, he took 17 wickets in 10 matches. Meanwhile, in India, Ashwin has taken 65 wickets at an average of 30 in 42 ODIs. This is one-third of his ODI career haul. However, Ashwin has not played an ODI in India since 2017. But, he has been playing Tests continuously and has a good record in this. In such a scenario, it can be predicted that Ashwin’s selection in the World Cup squad will be a win-or-lose deal for Team India.
,
Tags: Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, Ashwin, Team India, Washington beautiful, World Cup 2023
First published: August 20, 2023