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'Games Against Australia Will Give...' - Rohit Sharma Wants To Test Ashwin Ahead Of WC 2023

image-lmp2izm3Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: X.com)

It's another out-of-the-blue selection call for India's Ravichandran Ashwin, who continues to find one way or another just at the stroke of an ICC tournament.

Although Ashwin has not been named in the India ODI World Cup 2023 squad, an injury to Axar Patel has opened up a spot, prompting the team management to try him and Washington Sundar in the upcoming three-match series versus Australia.

Both Ashwin and Sundar have been picked for the entirety of the series with Axar also being kept in the squad for the last ODI, provided his injury heals.

Addressing the media in the press conference on the squad announcement, India captain Rohit Sharma spoke on Ashwin's inclusion.

Ashwin last played an ODI in January 2022. However, as per Rohit, it should not matter, considering how experienced the off-spinner is.

"Ravi Ashwin has played close to 150 (113) ODIs and 100 (94) Tests, if he's an option for us then he should be in. He might've not played this format, but has played good enough cricket," Rohit said.

Further, he also added that the Australia series will be an ideal testing platform for Ashwin, saying:

"Games against Australia will give us the answer where he stands."

Following India's horrendous performance in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Ashwin no longer remained the first-choice pick as the duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav gained prominence. 

He made a brief comeback after five years in 2022 in the ODI series versus South Africa but has not played a one-dayer since then. However, he could break this exile soon.