Australia’s tour of India: Ashwin returns for India; Kohli, Rohit rested for first two ODIs

R Ashwin was named in India’s squad for the upcoming three-match One Day International series against Australia on Monday.

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma named a 15-member squad for the first two ODIs which will be led by KL Rahul.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav have been rested for the first two ODIs.

The series is being looked at as the final preparation ahead of the mega-event and the aim is to test the bench strength in those games.

The likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar all found a place in the squad.

However, for the third ODI, India will go in with the same squad as announced for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup next month with Ashwin and Sundar being the additions.

Ashwin last played an ODI against South Africa in January 2022. However, Axar Patel’s injury at the Asia Cup 2023 opened the doors for the off-spinner who has picked up 151 wickets in the format.

On Monday, Sharma said about his inclusion, “With the kind of experience he has, for guys like him it’s just in the head. We made the decision after speaking to him, knowing where his mind is at, where his body is at.”

He added: “He has played test cricket...

Read more