‘Anna per Shak mat kero’ – Fans react as Rohit Sharma opens up on Ravichandran Ashwin’s ODI comeback ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

Team India is all set to lock horns against Australia for the three matches of the ODI series set to start on September 22 at Mohali in Punjab. Notably, the squad has marked the notable inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin, who played the last ODI against South Africa back in 2022. The great spinner also did not get to play the recent ODI series against the West Indies or the Asia Cup 2023.

Meanwhile, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma feels it is not a matter of concern if Ravichandran Ashwin did not have enough experience playing in ODIs in recent times. The 36-year-old skipper also clarified his inclusion in the upcoming ODI series ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“With guys like Ashwin, game-time and time on the ground is not so much of a concern. Which is why we thought if he is an option for us, we need to get him in. I thought getting him in could give is a chance to understand where he is at, how his body is and stuff like that,” Rohit Sharma said on during press conference.

Yes, Ravichandran Ashwin has not played in ODI format: Rohit Sharma

The top-order batter says that the next series will give him the chance to test India’s off-spinner, where he stands in the 50-over format. In addition, the opening batter also clarified that Ashwin has enough experience, as he recently played a Test match against the West Indies as well as appeared in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.

“It’s not like he has not been playing cricket for the last year or so. Yes, he hasn’t played in this [ODI] format, but he played Test cricket recently in the West Indies, and if I’m not wrong, in the TNPL as well. Of course, there’s no comparison but he has had some cricket there. The games against Australia will give us a chance to look at where he’s at,” he added further.

Check out how fans have reacted to his statement:

Ashwin Anna per Shak mat kero 😌

— VAZY🇮🇳 (@vazy_7011) September 18, 2023

Axar Patel pic.twitter.com/EWjNQFC861

— Indian Elon (@elonifiedmusk) September 18, 2023

Great chance for Ashwin to make it for the world cup squad after performing in Australia series

— Hussain (@imhussy92) September 18, 2023

Australia hamari Asia cup wali hawa nikal kar hame zameen pe le aayega.. world cup ke liye fayda hoga.

— Teri Meri Baatein (@TeriMeriBaatein) September 18, 2023

Yuzi chahal pic.twitter.com/nTrZUkY2ez

— Suresh Parmar® (@iamSureshParmar) September 18, 2023

लेकिन हमें क्यूं निकाला?😅😅 pic.twitter.com/vmCz6ovrKF

— अंकित/Ankit💫 (@ankitto_x) September 18, 2023

No need to see

He doesn't need practice in Indian conditions
Pick him for WC ,he will come very handy in most of the WC venues
Indore and Mohali won't give you clarity

— Pavan (@pavanacp28) September 18, 2023

Amazing. If you really wanted to try out @ashwinravi99 you would have called him for the final of Asia Cup. Comparing Ashwin's bowling with that Washing Powder is an insult to the great man.

— Dr. Ajayita (@DoctorAjayita) September 18, 2023