Amit Mishra comments on R Ashwin’s comeback in one-day internationals, saying that his fielding is the only reason he isn’t in the team.

Expert with JioCinema & Sports18 Amit Mishra provided some explanations for Ashwin’s absence. While praising Ashwin as a talented spinner and wicket-taker, Mishra emphasized the particular requirements of ODI cricket. An ODI needs a player to play in 40 overs of fielding, 10 overs of bowling, and 10 overs of batting.

Many fans and observers were shocked by Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected inclusion in the ODI team and likely World Cup roster. India will meet Australia in a three-match series after winning the Asia Cup 2023 to hone their preparations for the ODI World Cup 2023. After spin all-rounder Axar Patel suffered an injury during the Asia Cup competition, the surprise call-up occurred. During the South Africa trip in January 2022, Ashwin last wore the ODI jersey. Fans and industry insiders had questioned why he had been kept out of the format for the previous six years due to his absence.

According to Amit Mishra, Ashwin stands out from left-handed competitors like Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja because to his superior fielding abilities and right-handed batting style.

Given his skill as an off-spinner, he asserted that Ashwin had primarily been chosen as a wicket-taking alternative in the event of a spinner’s injury.

“Ashwin is unquestionably a talented bowler and wicket-taker, but keep in mind that this is not a game of 20 overs. It has fifty overs. You must bowl for 10 overs, field for 40 overs, and you may even have to bat. He has undoubtedly been around for a while and has taken wickets, but there is also the issue of fielding, which is why a young player might be selected, according to Mishra.

Ashwin will be put to the test in the next series between India and Australia. The management of the squad wants to determine if he still has the capacity to take wickets in the ODI format.

Washington Sundar’s presence, in addition to Ashwin, makes the possibilities for spin-bowling all-rounders even more complicated. Mishra emphasized that the pitch conditions would determine whether Ashwin or Sundar would be selected. Ashwin might start if the wicket favors spin, but Sundar’s superior fielding skills might be useful on other surfaces.

The Indian team will be watching Ashwin’s bowling performance against Australia to see if he still has the ability to take wickets in this format. He is only not on the team due of his right-handed batting and fielding skills.

“The wicket will determine that. If the pitch is dry, Ashwin or Sundar will be chosen, but Sundar has the advantage due to his superior fielding skills, he continued.