'He’s very clear': Ex-India selector on Rohit Sharma's plan behind picking Ashwin in ODIs

The Indian cricket team selection committee rested skipper Rohit Sharma, batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Hardik Pandya from the first two IND vs AUS ODIs. R Ashwin has received a call-up, which has surprised many cricket fans and experts. Also, this has given rise to another question will Ashwin get a chance in the 2023 ODI World Cup squad? 

3 things you need to know 

• Team India achieved a dominant win in the finals of the Asia Cup 2023 
• The Indian team will be aiming to win their third ODI World Cup title 
• The Indian team has picked three spinners in their ODI World Cup 2023 provisional squad 

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Saba Karim's interesting take on Rohit Sharma's plan for R Ashwin in ODIs

Team India spinner R Ashwin is known for his clever bowling tactics and for the milestones he has achieved in Test cricket. Ashwin has represented Team India in a total of two ODI World Cups and can be included in the 2023 ODI World Cup squad. Former Indian cricket team selector Saba Karim while speaking on Jio TV opened up on Rohit Sharma's plan for utilising R Ashwin in the ODIs. Saba Karim said: 

I think Rohit Sharma looks at Ravichandran Ashwin as a match-winner and he’s very clear in the kind of approach he wants to portray in white ball cricket. Now with the World Cup coming up, he understands the dynamics of one-day cricket quite well and knows that he has to pick players who have that kind of an attacking mindset. He also knows that in his bowling lineup, he needs to have out of six, at least five wicket-taking options and if he has Ashwin in the eleven, then that attacking option is available. If you look at all the other players who are in the reserve – they all have that attacking mindset. So, I think Rohit Sharma wants to continue with this aggressive approach that we saw the Indian team play in the Asian challenge. 

India pick Kuldeep Yadav as their main spinner for the ODI World Cup 

The Indian cricket team selection committee has picked a total of three spinners for the upcoming ODI World Cup which includes Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, Axar and Jadeja are spin bowling all-rounders whereas Kuldeep is the only main spinner.

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Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023 and picked a total of nine wickets. Kuldeep's wonderful performance with the ball can prove to be very effective for the team in the upcoming major ICC tournament.