“There is no planning here,” Irfan Pathan SLAMS BCCI for selecting Ravichandran Ashwin for Australia series

Ravichandran Ashwin has only played 2 ODIs in over 6 years.

“There is no planning here,” Irfan Pathan SLAMS BCCI for selecting Ravichandran Ashwin for Australia series

After Axar Patel injured himself in India’s loss against Bangladesh in the 2023 Asia Cup, his selection for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup looks bleak. Tamil Nadu spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar are in contention to replace Axar if he doesn’t recover in time. 

Irfan Pathan is not happy with the decision of bringing back Ashwin to the ODI team. Speaking to Star Sports, the left-arm-pacer said the Indian team won’t get a better spinner than Ashwin. But he thinks it isn’t good that a senior player walks into the team despite not playing an ODI in a long time. Irfan says by selecting Ashwin, India is leaving their chances to fate. 

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Pathan then added, “There is no planning here. Had there been a plan for Ashwin, they should have given him some game time before the World Cup. Yes, he will be playing against Australia, but is that enough? You have to bowl for 10 overs, and adjust in the team as well and give India that result. It isn’t that easy. Planning should have been better.”

Related: “He must have fought with someone,” Harbhajan Singh unhappy with Yuzvendra Chahal not being selected for Australia series

R. Ashwin plays local 50 over match in preparation of Australia Series

Ravichandran Aswhin last played an ODI series in January 2022, where he played 2 matches in South Africa. He was then dropped in the 3rd ODI for Jayant Yadav. Since then, he has not featured in a single ODI or List A match. Before the South Africa tour, his last ODI match was in June 2017.

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Ashwin in action for MRC-A in the 2nd division of the VAP Trophy (Image via X)

With Axar Patel doubtful for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, R. Ashwin was called up for the ODI team. In preparation of the Australia ODI series, Ashwin played a 50-over match for his club, Mylapore Recreation Club-A, in the VAP trophy organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. His side played against the Young Stars Cricket club and won by 28 runs. He bowled 10 overs and returned with the figures of 1/30. He also scored 12 runs off 17 balls. 

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