Former India all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi believes that a comeback for Ravichandran Ashwin (in ODIs) might be a new lifeline for him at this stage of his career. On Friday, The BCCI announced an 18-man squad for the ODI series in South Africa.
KL Rahul was named stand-in captain in absence of Rohit Sharma while Jasprit Bumrah was given the responsibility of vice-captaincy. But the biggest takeaway from the squad was the return of Ravichandran Ashwin who made a return in ODIs after 4 years.
Former India all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi believes that making a comeback in Odis is like winning a lottery for the premier off-spinner. Sodhi feels that this opportunity might be the much-needed lifeline for 35-year old Ashwin.
“R Ashwin has won a lottery here. It felt his career was almost over, that he might announce his retirement; he has got a new lifeline. He is a performer; he has experience on his side,” Sodhi told India News.
However former India all-rounder insisted that the South Africa tour won’t be easy for India and the experience of Ashwin would be handy for the team.
“Rahul Dravid, the team management and the selectors have shown faith in experience. It is right as well because this tour is not that easy,” said Sodhi.
In his 111-match career, Ashwin picked 150 wickets in ODIs but his performance in South Africa is something he would want to improve. He got only one wicket in 3 ODIs in South Africa and conceded runs with an economy of 6.03.
Last year he made a successful comeback in the white-ball format as he was picked for the T20 World Cup squad held in UAE. Since his comeback, he picked 9 wickets in 5 T20Is with an economy of 5.25. In the 3-match ODI series, Ashwin will be partnered with Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar in the spin department as India will be missing the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel due to injuries.
The ODI series between India and South Africa will begin on January 19 at Paarl.
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