Initially, India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup on house soil featured Kuldeep Yadav as the only real specialist spinner, complemented by spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
Nevertheless, when Axar Patel sustained an damage simply previous to the Asia Cup ultimate in Colombo, India opted to name upon Washington Sundar as a alternative, fairly than the 37-year-old Ashwin.
In the long run, off-spinner Sundar did not get the chance to bowl as India swiftly dismissed Sri Lanka in simply 15.2 overs, securing a commanding 10-wicket victory.
Rohit clarified that Sundar’s choice shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign that Ashwin, who final featured in one-day internationals in January 2022 and boasts 113 caps, has fallen within the pecking order.
“As a spinner all-rounder, Ashwin is in line. I’ve been speaking to him on the cellphone,” Rohit informed reporters after India lifted the Asia Cup for the eighth time.
“The damage occurred to Axar on the final minute. Washington was obtainable, so he needed to come and carry out the function for us.
“He (Washington) was cricket-fit as a result of he was a part of the Asian Video games camp.
“I’ve been very clear with gamers about their roles. Everyone seems to be within the loop.”
Groups could make adjustments to their squads till Sept. 28.
Whereas the victory was a well timed enhance forward of the World Cup, batter Shreyas Iyer missed a lot of the Asia Cup, together with the ultimate, with a again spasm.
“Shreyas was not obtainable for (the ultimate) as a result of sure parameters had been saved for him to tick off,” Rohit defined.
“I ought to say he’s alright 99% as of now.
“He seems good, he batted and fielded for lengthy hours (within the nets), and he was on the bottom lengthy earlier than we got here to the bottom. I do not suppose it’s a fear for us.”
India host Australia in a three-match ODI collection later this month and the groups conflict once more on Oct. eight of their World Cup opener in Chennai.
(With inputs from Reuters)
