“Ravichandran Ashwin’s ODI Comeback: A Look Back at His Last Appearance”
Introduction
Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned Indian off-spinner, recently marked his return to the One Day International (ODI) arena after a hiatus of nearly 20 months. His inclusion in the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia not only signifies his comeback but also hints that the doors are not entirely shut for his participation in the upcoming World Cup on home soil.
Axar Patel’s Injury Opens Doors
The injury to bowling all-rounder Axar Patel prompted the Indian team management to explore alternative options, ensuring they have a backup plan in case of future contingencies. Axar sustained a quadriceps injury during a Super 4 Asia Cup match against Bangladesh, leading to his unavailability for the first two ODIs against Australia. In response to this setback, the selectors decided to draft both Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin into the squad, presenting them with an opportunity to audition for the role of the backup spin-bowling all-rounder.
Recalling Ashwin’s Last ODI
Ravichandran Ashwin’s last ODI appearance dates back to January of the previous year when India was on tour in South Africa. This particular ODI was the second match of a three-game series. India took to the batting crease first and managed to post a competitive total of 287/6 in their allotted 50 overs. The Men in Blue received valuable contributions from Rishabh Pant (85), KL Rahul (55), and Shardul Thakur (40). Ashwin himself played a noteworthy cameo during the death overs, scoring an unbeaten 25 runs from 24 balls, which included a boundary and a six.
South Africa’s top and middle-order batsmen efficiently executed their roles, guiding the Proteas to victory with 11 balls to spare. Janneman Malan (91) and Quinton de Kock (78) were the standout performers for the South African side in the batting department.
However, it was a forgettable day for Ravichandran Ashwin with the ball, as he went wicketless and conceded 68 runs in his 10-over spell. Following this disappointing performance, the team management decided to omit him from the squad for the final match of the series, providing an opportunity to Jayant Yadav. Subsequently, Ashwin did not feature in the ODI setup until his recent comeback.
Ashwin’s ODI Career Overview
Ravichandran Ashwin, now 37 years old, boasts a significant ODI career spanning 113 matches. Over the course of his ODI journey, he has scalped 151 wickets at an average of 33.49, with a strike rate of 40.6. His best bowling figures in an innings stand at 4/25.
As a batsman, Ashwin has contributed 707 runs to the team’s cause, maintaining an average of 16.44 and a strike rate of 86.96. His highest score in ODIs is 65, achieved against New Zealand in Auckland back in 2014.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to the ODI format after a substantial hiatus brings with it a sense of anticipation and intrigue. His rich experience and all-round abilities could prove to be valuable assets for the Indian team. As Ashwin resumes his ODI journey, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await to witness his impact and contributions in the matches to come.
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By- Sahiba Suri