Squad Announced: The Surprising inclusion of Ashwin over Chahal in India’s ODI Squad Against Australia

India has officially announced its squad for the upcoming first two ODIs against Australia, and it’s got fans and experts talking. KL Rahul will be taking the helm as the captain, and Ravi Ashwin makes a comeback after a considerable gap in the ODIs. This is a highly intriguing lineup that not only aims to win but also serves as a blueprint for India’s long-term vision, particularly with the 2023 Cricket World Cup in sight. No Chahal is the biggest surprise for Indian Fans.

Key Highlights of the Squad

• KL Rahul (C): Known for his elegant batting style and aggressive captaincy.
• Jadeja: An all-rounder who contributes to every department.
• Gaikwad and Gill: Young talents who are expected to be the future of Indian cricket.
• Shami and Bumrah: Spearheads of the Indian bowling attack.
• Ravi Ashwin and Washington Sundar: Included as reserves for the 2023 World Cup.

Rohit Sharma’s Take

Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma was clear in his view that Ravi Ashwin’s inclusion in the squad is fully justified. With nearly 150 ODIs and 100 Test matches under his belt, Ashwin’s experience could be invaluable for the team. Sharma also emphasized the need for rotating the players to build the bench strength, keeping in mind the 11 matches scheduled for the World Cup.

The Big Surprise: No Yuzi Chahal

The omission of Chahal from the Australia series has sparked conversations around India’s spinning options. However, the inclusion of Ashwin and Sundar provides a fresh yet experienced alternative.