In a surprising revelation, Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has disclosed why Ravichandran Ashwin was initially chosen for the Asia Cup final before Washington Sundar. Ashwin’s selection for the ODI series against Australia marked his return to the ODI side after nearly 20 months, and Karthik has shed light on the decision-making process.
Ashwin’s return to the ODI squad came after all-rounder Axar Patel suffered an injury during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Bangladesh. Despite Washington Sundar being in the squad and playing the final of the Asia Cup, Ashwin was picked ahead of him for the first ODI against Australia.
Dinesh Karthik said
According to Dinesh Karthik, the team management had actually approached Ashwin before Sundar for the Asia Cup final as well. However, Ashwin declined the offer, citing that he wasn’t “match ready” at the time. Instead, Sundar was chosen to play in the final.
Karthik provided further context, stating, “With a little inside information I know, I’ll end up defending Rohit, Ajit, and Rahul Dravid here. They actually called up R Ashwin first at the Asia Cup final. They had a conversation and Ashwin felt he wasn’t match ready yet. So, he said it’s better if I don’t come to this game because Washington was playing. He was playing in local tournaments in Chennai and he was in NCA. So, they sent Sundar for that one game.”
However, after Ashwin played a couple of local club matches and regained his match fitness, he was eventually picked for the ODI series against Australia.
Ashwin himself revealed that he was kept informed by the team management about the possibility of his return ever since the Test series against West Indies in August. This proactive communication allowed him to stay prepared and focused on his fitness and bowling during the break.
Ashwin’s return to the ODI side holds significance as India prepares for the upcoming World Cup. His experience and skills will be crucial for the team’s success in the marquee global tournament.
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