Ravichandran Ashwin has been recalled to the ODI side after more than a year and a half. While contentious, the move is not as controversial as it might seem, writes Naman Agarwal.
Ashwin has taken 151 wickets in ODIs. Only four other Indian spinners have taken more wickets in the format than him. However, only one of those has come since 2018 and only 11 since 2016, which is why his sudden recall ahead of an all-important home ODI World Cup has raised eyebrows.
Ashwin’s call-up was necessitated by Axar Patel’s injury during India’s Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. After India made it clear that they would not compromise on their batting depth, Washington Sundar and Ashwin were left with only two spin-bowling all-rounder options.
Both have been included in the squad for the Australia series, so if Axar doesn’t recover in time, he will basically be lined up as a spinner in the fight for third place in the World Cup at No. 4. Become. If the spinner does it, go there.
Thunder’s call-up to the Asia Cup final had suggested he might be ahead of Ashwin in the pecking order, but Rohit Sharma said he was selected because he was suddenly Both players made it clear that the door was open because they were available on notice.
This is not the first time that Ashwin has assumed the position just before an ICC white-ball tournament. Ashwin was chosen as the first-choice spinner for the event as he had not played any T20Is in the four years leading up to the 2021 T20 World Cup. He also played every match in the 2022 T20 World Cup before Yuzvendra Chahal.
And now, Ashwin is on the verge of qualifying for the ODI World Cup after playing just two ODIs in the last five-and-a-half years. India tried to pass him in limited overs cricket but something always draws them back to Ashwin in big tournaments.
While the lack of up-and-coming off-spinners in the country may be a factor, it is his experience and ever-evolving nature as a cricketer that makes him a prominent presence in modern cricket. may be the single determining factor that helps maintain .
Ashwin has played in the last two World Cups in India, the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup. In the first he played two matches in which he took 4 wickets at an economy rate of 23.2 and in the second match he took 4 wickets at an economy rate of 7.6. These numbers are not extraordinary and do not indicate how good he can be at the upcoming World Cup. But it gives team management the peace of mind that he has played in similar conditions on the biggest stage, a luxury the Thunder cannot afford.
Ashwin hasn’t played much international white-ball cricket lately, but he has always had a good rhythm in the domestic white-ball cricket he has played. He had a good IPL season earlier this year, taking 14 wickets in 13 matches (highest wickets taken in an IPL season since 2019) at 26.2 and an economy rate of 7.5. He then played in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.In his four matches in the league he took 4 wickets, in each he took 28.5 wickets and per over he conceded 7.1 runs.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have been plagued by injuries and have struggled to find a rhythm with the ball this year. In IPL he played in 7 matches he took 3 wickets and scored 8.2 runs per over, while in TNPL he played in 6 matches he took 1 wicket and scored 8.5 runs per over.
With the frequent promotions in the batting order of Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin’s white ball batting order has also evolved. In his IPL last 2 seasons he has scored 258 runs with an average of 19.8 runs and a strike rate of 138.7 and in his IPL career so far he has recorded an average of 11.1 runs and a strike rate of 109.9. Ta. These numbers may be from different formats, but they give a good idea that if Ashwin is required, he can maintain his status as an ODI number eight.
The decisive factor in Sundar’s advantage over Ashwin is the fact that he has a better batting pedigree and can be promoted as a left-handed counter-spin player. Conceptually, that makes sense, but in reality, the Thunder have yet to demonstrate their ability as white-ball hitters against spin.
In ODIs, his averages are 18.25 and 73 against spin and strikes, while in T20s these figures are 18.5 and 96.1. Better numbers would be desirable, especially from a potential floater intended to be used against spin.
Ideally, India would like Axar to return to full fitness by September 28, the deadline for announcing the final squad. Otherwise, it will be a tough decision between Ashwin and Sundar considering the three teams that will be playing against Australia.
The venues for the Australia series – Mohali, Indore and Rajkot – are not ideal for spinners, especially when it comes to their supply side, even if both Ashwin and Sundar struggle against the strong Australian batting line-up. Not surprising. has a flat profile, which will make the choice even more difficult for voters.
As of now, Ashwin seems to be the riskier choice of the two. But it’s not without reason if he manages to qualify for the White Ball World Cup three years in a row even though he hasn’t played much international white ball cricket. That wouldn’t be the worst thing. something for india
To bet on the World Cup with our Match Centre Partners bet365 head here.
