Ravichandran Ashwin is back in the Indian ODI team after a long absence, and he’s excited for the opportunity to enjoy himself and bring something different to the table. The veteran off-spinner last played an ODI match in January 2022, but he’s been recalled to the squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia.ย In a video posted by the BCCI, Ashwin said that he’s been kept in the loop by the team management and is ready to make the most of his opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “It’s not about what I want to achieve with these opportunities, I want to enjoy myself and give myself the best chance to enjoy. I went back from West Indies, I was just taking a break. I played a few club games. The team management has kept me in loop. They said if there’s a chance, just stay ready. I was just touching base with my fitness, started bowling a few overs.”
Ashwin has a wealth of experience in ODI cricket, having played 113 matches and taken 151 wickets. He’s also a useful lower-order batsman, with an average of 24.70.ย However, Ashwin admitted that he’s not putting too much pressure on himself. He’s just focused on enjoying himself and performing to the best of his ability.
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“I’ve kept expectations largely from myself,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “It’s easier to deal with expectations that one has about yourself in terms of the pride I hold in my performances and practice. If you have expectations that you can’t control, then you might have disappointments.”
Ashwin said that he’s trying to bring something new to the table in ODI cricket. He’s been working on new angles and variations, and he’s confident that he can be a successful bowler in this format.
๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ฒ, ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฐ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐บ๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐
An excited @ashwinravi99 speaks about trying to push barriers, taking pride in performance & enjoying the game ๐๐ – By @28anand
Full Interview ๐ฅ๐ฝ #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS
โ BCCI (@BCCI) September 22, 2023
“I want to bring something different to the table, something different from my perspective,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “So I’ve been working on some angles because ODI cricket is not about spin any more. It’s about angles that you can present at the crease, the depth of the crease, the usage of that. I’m trying to put myself in a zone of discomfort to try and push barriers as always because what comes first for me is the pride in my performances.”
Ashwin has had a difficult time bowling in Mohali, where the first ODI against Australia will be played. He’s only taken two wickets in 29 overs at the venue. However, he’s determined to turn things around.
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“I’m not thinking about my past performances in Mohali,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to bowl there again and try to make a difference. I’m confident in my abilities and I’m sure I can do well.”
Ravichandran Ashwin is a valuable asset to the Indian team, and his return to the ODI squad is a welcome boost. He’s a world-class bowler and a useful batsman, and he’s sure to play a key role in India’s success in the upcoming series against Australia.
