Ravichandran Ashwin’s surprising return to India’s ODI squad for the upcoming 3-match series against Australia has stirred anticipation and discussions. Ashwin’s last ODI for India was in January 2022, making his inclusion a notable comeback, reminiscent of his entry into the T20 World Cup squad in 2022 despite a long absence from T20I cricket.

The veteran spinner, aged 37, aims to replicate his previous successes. MSK Prasad, former Indian chief selector, has expressed confidence in Ashwin’s abilities and believes he can secure his spot in India’s ODI World Cup squad.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar had previously hinted at the possibility of players like Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal being considered for the ODI World Cup, keeping the door open for their inclusion.

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While Chahal and Sanju Samson haven’t made the cut for the Australia ODIs, Ashwin still has a chance to prove himself. Prasad emphasized Ashwin’s potential in Indian conditions, especially against left-handed batsmen, which could be crucial in a home World Cup scenario.

#MSKPrasad is pleased about @ashwinravi99‘s inclusion in India’s 3-match ODI Series against #Australia!
He is sure that the off-spin maestro will do well, and wishes him and the team, nothing but good luck! 💯

Turn ’em to ash, Ash! 😎#FollowTheBlues #Cricket pic.twitter.com/hVV4piV07o

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 20, 2023

“This is very good news, I said it previously as well, Ashwin will be a handy option for the Indian team, that too in home conditions. He has close to 500 wickets in all three formats combined in Indian conditions. In all teams these days, there are at least 3-4 left-handers, so against left-handers, he will be deadly. I hope he can do well against Australia and get selected in the World Cup squad as well,” MSK Prasad shared on Star Sports’ Follow the Blues show.

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The Indian team is set to regroup in Mohali before the series opener on Friday. Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya are among the key players who have been rested for the first two ODIs, with KL Rahul leading in Rohit’s absence. The star trio is scheduled to return for the third and final ODI in Rajkot on September 27.

India’s squad for 1st and 2nd ODI vs Australia:

KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

India’s squad for 3rd ODI vs Australia:

Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya, (Vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel (depending on fitness), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj