The inclusion of veteran spinner R Ashwin for India’s three-match ODI series against Australia raised a lot of questions regarding his potential addition to the squad for the Cricket World Cup 2023. Head coach Rahul Dravid made it clear that the series is not a ‘trial’ for Ashwin.

Also Read:-ICC ODI WC 2023: Pakistan’s Team Announced For The World Cup

Rahul Dravid told reporters –

“Someone like Ravichandran Ashwin provides experience and also contributes with the bat at No. 8. This series is no trial for Ashwin, this is just an opportunity for him in this format.”

The India vs Australia series holds a special importance for both sides as this is the final chance for both of them to sort out their issues ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2023. Ashwin and Washington Sundar will be up for contention after Axar Patel was ruled out of the series after suffering an injury.

A major exclusion for the series as well as the Cricket World Cup 2023 squad was spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The decision to not include him left a lot of experts and fans surprised and disappointed.