Explained: How Ashwin's inclusion in India's World Cup squad will bolster India's chances?

The Indian cricket team will be performing the last full dress rehearsal against Australia in a three-match ODI series ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Indian team selection committee has rested skipper Rohit Sharma, batter Virat Kohli and all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the first two ODIs. Indian batsman KL Rahul has been named as the captain for the first two IND vs AUS ODIs, whereas, veteran off-spinner R Ashwin has also been included in the squad ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup. 

3 things you need to know 

• The IND vs AUS three-match ODI series will start from September 22, 2023 
• The Indian team lost to Australia in a three-match ODI series earlier this year by a margin of 2-1
• Team India will begin its ODI World Cup 2023 campaign against Australia on October 8 

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Can R Ashwin help Team India in winning the ODI World Cup 2023?

(R Ashwin during a T20I match in 2022 / Image: BCCI)

The Indian cricket team will play all nine ODI World Cup 2023 league matches in different venues. The grounds contain spin-friendly tracks like Chennai and Lucknow, wherein, spinners can play a huge decisive role. The Indian team selection committee has picked Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav as the spin bowling options and has left behind Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar. However, the selection committee can make some changes to the Indian ODI World Cup squad until September 28. 

With the likes of R Ashwin back in the IND vs AUS ODI series squad, there might be chances that Ashwin shall be included in the 50-over World Cup team as well. Ashwin has played a total of two ODI World Cups and has a lot of experience. Ashwin is not a big turner of the ball but can help the Indian team in picking up wickets with his clever bowling tactics in the middle overs during the ODI World Cup. Also, Ashwin provides an extra option of batting and has scored 707 runs from 113 ODI matches. However, Ashwin's ODI batting stats are not so pleasing, but the Chennai off-spinner knows how to build a partnership and help the other set batter in taking the team over the line during a run chase. 

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What are Team India's chances to lift third ODI World Cup trophy? 

The Indian cricket team is the joint second most successful team along with West Indies when it comes to winning an ICC Men's ODI World Cup. Australia remain on the top with five ODI World Cup titles. The 'Men in Blue', which is currently the second-best team in the ICC ODI Team Rankings, has all the calibre and experience to win its third ODI World Cup trophy. The Rohit Sharma-led side has come back to India after a span of 12 years, and players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are in the final stage of their ODI careers, would like to end it on a winning note.