The Indian cricket team will be playing a 3-match ODI series against Australia starting 22 September before the World Cup and one decision by the selectors has left many fans and former cricketers a little confused.
The Indian spinner Axar Patel got injured during the Asia Cup and if he fails in recovering before the World Cup, then India will need a replacement. Though Washington Sundar has been included in the team for the Australian series, the selectors have also called senior cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin for the series.
R Ashwin is an integral part of the Indian test squad but in the last six years, he has played only 2 ODIs which has made many question his selection in the ODI team.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan was also not happy with this decision. During a sports show, he said, “You can’t get a better spinner than Ashwin in the entire world. But in a tournament as big as the World Cup, where there is immense pressure, you can’t expect a senior player to walk in and play for the team in a format which he hasn’t played for a long time and prove his worth. So you are leaving it entirely to fate.”
He further added, “There is no planning here. Had there been a plan for Ashwin, they should have given him some game time before the World Cup. Yes, he will be playing against Australia, but is that enough? You have to bowl for 10 overs, and adjust in the team as well and give India that result. It isn’t that easy. Planning should have been better.”
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