Ravichandran Ashwin is back in the ODI squad, making him a contender for the World Cup XV as well, and the buzz is that he decided to practise with the white ball at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore after receiving positive vibes from captain Rohit Sharma.
Ashwin sprung a surprise when he uploaded his pictures with NCA chief VVS Laxman and spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule last week. It was suggested that the off-spinner’s presence was a “routine affair” since he often spends time at the NCA honing his skills.
“...The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. However, the willingness to learn is a CHOICE...” Ashwin wrote on X.
Two days later, Rohit revealed at a news conference after the Asia Cup triumph that he had been “talking to him on the phone” and Ashwin was “very much in line” to make the World Cup squad.
The injury (left quadriceps strain) to Axar Patel could have led the team management to consider an off-spinner following an assessment of the players’ performance in the Asia Cup. Axar never looked threatening in the two matches he played, taking only one wicket at an economy of 5.42.
Ashwin’s aggressive approach when it comes to wicket-taking abilities could be crucial for the team in the middle overs. Additionally, he is a handy and reliable batter in the lower order — five centuries in Tests and a half-century in the 50-over format. His economy of 4.94 is on par with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar.
But will Ashwin still make the grade if Axar recovers in time for the World Cup? If he does, who will he replace?
There’s talk that Shardul Thakur could have to make way though he’s supposed to enjoy the confidence of the team management. Thakur took five wickets in four matches in Sri Lanka at an economy of 5.94, the most expensive among the bowlers. With the bat, he was hardly impressive, scoring just 14 in two innings.
With Mohammed Shami unlikely to be a regular in the playing XI, including another spinner in place of a pacer could provide balance to the side. It also allows options — as Rohit stressed, “we can’t play the same XI all the time”.
Rohit was clear about his priorities after including Ashwin for the three ODIs against Australia.
“With the kind of experience Ashwin has, has played close to 100 Tests, 115 ODIs...yes it is all in the past, but he has been consistently playing Test cricket. With guys like Ashwin, game-time and time on the ground are not so much of a concern... Which is why we thought if he is an option for us, we need to get him in... I thought getting him in could give us a chance to understand where he is at, how his body is and stuff like that,” Rohit said on Monday.
There’s no disputing Ashwin’s class, one of India’s greatest match-winners in home conditions. His inclusion could provide India with the perfect projectile on surfaces that afford spin — Chennai, Pune, Delhi, Lucknow and Mumbai. His control and guile could give more depth to the attack.
Ashwin, 37, doesn’t believe in shortcuts and works hard for desired results. On Tuesday, he took part in the VAP Trophy’s one-day league in Chennai, representing Mylapore Recreational Club A against Young Stars at the SSN College Ground. While he took one for 30 in 10 overs, he contributed 12 off 17 with the bat.
Playing in a World Cup at home is all about absorbing pressure and delivering in crunch situations. Ashwin’s white-ball appearances may have been limited in the past couple of years, but he has it in him to hit the straps in the 50-over game. His craft and nous are still an enigma to most overseas teams.
It will take a lot of courage and determination for a Ben Stokes or a David Warner to launch an offensive against such a versatile spinner. There’s always that element of uncertainty of travelling into the unknown when negotiating his skill which will play in the minds of the batters.
If included, Ashwin will be the second playing member from the 2011 squad, after Virat Kohli, to make the grade. Bold moves and out-of-the-box ideas are essential to carry a champion side and Ashwin could provide the team with such an impetus.
