Former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar has weighed in on the selection dilemma facing the national selectors as a result of Ravichandran Ashwin’s impressive performance in the second ODI against Australia. Ashwin, a seasoned off-spinner, was reintroduced to India’s ODI squad due to Axar Patel’s rehabilitation for a left quadriceps strain. Playing at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, Ashwin delivered a timely reminder of the value and quality an off-spinner can bring, recording figures of 3-41 in seven overs as India secured a convincing 99-run victory via the DLS method.
Ashwin’s mastery of the carrom ball on a pitch offering turn proved pivotal in changing the course of the game. His first victim, Marnus Labuschagne, was dismissed when he misjudged a delivery that crashed into his off-stump, initially played for an off-break. In an attempt to unsettle Ashwin, David Warner even adopted the tactic of batting right-handed. However, Ashwin’s carrom ball once again proved effective as Warner tumbled while trying to reverse-sweep and was subsequently adjudged lbw, although replays indicated a clear bottom edge. Ashwin further showcased his prowess by trapping Josh Inglis lbw during a sweep attempt.
Nayar emphasized that the decision regarding Ashwin’s inclusion was never about his suitability but rather his performance in the format after a prolonged absence. Ashwin’s resurgence has demonstrated his continued excellence. Nayar noted that Ashwin effectively handled the unique challenge posed by David Warner, who frequently switched between batting right-handed and left-handed.
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Nayar stated, “He has only gotten better, which is a positive. He was challenged differently by David Warner, when Warner kept on going from left to right and vice versa. But he started using the carrom ball and picked up three wickets. So, it just tells you that even if he is an off-spinner, he is good enough to bowl to a left and a right-hander when required.”
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Nayar also remarked on India’s comprehensive series victory over Australia, with notable performances from Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav. Nayar expressed satisfaction, stating that all aspects of the team’s game were in good shape and that the depth of talent was evident.
“All boxes ticked. I think you can’t be happier. We wanted to see this – everyone doing well. The biggest question before this game was Shreyas Iyer, who scored a century. So, going into the World Cup with the understanding that even though your top five players were missing – India could win the series convincingly. It just tells you that there is enough depth and the fact that everyone is in good form – it is a good omen for India going forward,” Nayar added.
India will receive a boost from the return of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya for the Rajkot ODI on Wednesday. This match will serve as the final international encounter for both India and Australia before they face each other in their respective Men’s ODI World Cup opening match on October 8 in Chennai.
-IANS
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