Renowned Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin is making waves with his relentless dedication to enhancing his cricketing prowess and maintaining his competitive edge. Even after being named in the India ODI squad for the upcoming three-match showdown against Australia, Ashwin remains steadfast in his preparation.
Ashwin’s recent appearance at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he was seen practicing with a white ball in the NCA nets, underscores his commitment to remaining well-prepared for any potential scenarios that may arise during the series.
Additionally, Ashwin’s itinerary includes an upcoming 50-over match in Chennai, as part of the local league organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). This match is a part of the ongoing VAP Trophy’s one-day league in Chennai. At the SSN College Ground, the 37-year-old cricketer, known for his impressive 113 ODI appearances, including the memorable 2011 World Cup victory, is all set to represent the Take Solution MRPA side against Young Stars. Notably, Ashwin had already participated in several three-day games within the local league just a few weeks ago.
An official associated with TNCA has divulged insights into Ashwin’s training regimen, remarking, “His aim is to gain valuable on-field experience, and a 50-over match serves as an ideal platform for this purpose. He recently made a visit to the NCA for routine maintenance work on his physical fitness and to refine his skills under the expert guidance of spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. He is unwavering in his determination to equip himself comprehensively for any challenges that may emerge.”
Ashwin’s rigorous preparation regimen comes in response to inquiries raised during a media interaction following his inclusion in the India squad for the Australia series. Captain Rohit Sharma faced questions regarding Ashwin’s limited participation in ODIs over the past six years, prompting a confident response from Rohit. The skipper emphasized that Ashwin’s extensive experience eclipses any concerns about his relatively fewer ODI outings. Ashwin is unwavering in his determination to substantiate the trust reposed in him by the captain, selectors, and the team management. His most recent ODI appearance harks back to January 2022 against South Africa, and his impressive track record boasts 151 wickets in 111 ODI innings.
As the much-anticipated series against Australia looms, the Indian cricket contingent is intensifying its preparations. The squad is slated to convene in Chandigarh on September 20 to kickstart their readiness for the inaugural ODI, set to take place on September 22. For Ashwin, a swift transition awaits, as he will be required to promptly board a flight to Mohali right after his participation in the local league match in Chennai.