'He was always in our plans': Rahul Dravid reserves his praise for Indian bowler

India will try to find their way when they host Australia in a three match ODI series starting from September 22. The Australian team would be keen to shrug off their difficulties following their 3-2 defeat in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa. The first match will take place in Mohali on 22nd September. 

3 things you need to know

• Ravichandran Ashwin hasn't played an ODI since last year
• Ashwin has been included in the squad against Australia
• The first ODI will be played in Mohali on 22 September 

Team Indian coach Rahul Dravid makes a major admission on R. Ashwin

A flurry of new faces have been inducted into the Indian squad as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravichandran Ashwin have been preferred over other players. Ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup, Ashwin's selection raised a few eyebrows and even Rohit Sharma later confirmed that the player is in their scheme of things for the World Cup.

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Now Team India coach Rahul Dravid echoed Rohit's version as the former Indian batsman reiterated the fact the spinner's experience will come in very handy for them.

"Having someone of Ashwin's experience is always good for us. He gives you experience, the ability to contribute with the bat at number eight. He is someone we taught about in case of an injury or an opportunity opened up. He was always in our plans. He has not played much ODI cricket for a while, but someone of his experience can deal with that."

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Will Ravichandran Ashwin get a last dance in ODIs?

Ashwin was a member of the 2011 World Cup winning squad but has been called up as a cover for the injured Axar Patel. The right arm off spinner is currently one of the most decorated players ever and his antics in the longest format helped Team India in the last several years. The last date for squad submission is the 28th of September and it remains to be seen whether the 37-year-old can get a last chance to showcase his potential in the limited format.