Published 16:16 IST, September 26th 2023
'He’s proven that': Ex-India cricketer believes star player has made Rohit Sharma confused
R Ashwin's sudden arrival to the ODI format and an impressive performance that came later has brought further confusion for the selectors.
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Ravichandran Ashwin's dramatic entry into Team India's ODI squad just before the World Cup has raised the eyebrows of the cricket fraternity. Some members of the cricket world expressed doubt over the call made by the selectors whereas many saw it as the right decision. Following the call-up, Ashwin featured in the playing XI of both Ind vs. Aus matches that have taken place so far and made the most of the opportunity handed to him.
3 things you need to know
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- India defeated Australia in the 2nd ODI by 99 runs
- India takes an unassailable lead in the 3-match series
- Ashwin made a splendid return to the ODI format
Also Read | 'I wouldn't be surprised if...' Ex-cricketer has a new role for R Ashwin in ODI World Cup
Abhishek Nayar praises R Ashwin
Following the impressive performance against Australia, Ravichandran Ashwin is receiving praise from many members of the cricket world. Former cricketer Abhishek Nayar is among the many who have hailed him. Nayyar says his performance has only caused further selection headaches to the selectors and it would interesting to see who the committee will proceed with.
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“It was never a question of whether he is the right replacement. It was just about seeing how he performs in this format, playing it after a long time, and whether he still has it in him to play it. And he’s proven that. He has only gotten better, which is a positive. He was challenged differently by David Warner when Warner kept on going from left to right and vice versa.”
“But he started using the carrom ball and picked up three wickets. So, it just tells you that even if he is an off-spinner, he is good enough to bowl to a left and a right-hander, when required. So, I believe he has created a bit more confusion for the selectors, Rohit, and the support staff. It’s going to be interesting who they will pick between the two,” said Nayar on JioCinema.
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Also Read | IND vs AUS: Rampant India eye rare ODI clean sweep against struggling Australia in Rajkot
Ashwin vs. Axar: Who will make it in the final 15?
Ahead of the Asia Cup, no debate regarding the subject had come into existence. But the Bangladesh match in the continental tournament inflicted an unfortunate injury to Axar Patel. Patel's injury brought Ashwin into the mix and him taking 4 wickets in the series has seemingly put him ahead in the queue. However, nothing concrete can be stated as of now, regarding who will make it into the squad, and all to look forward to as the final squad is set to release soon.
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14:18 IST, September 26th 2023