A One Day International (ODI) is a variant of limited-overs cricket played between two teams, both holding international status. In this format, each team is allotted a fixed number of overs, which is currently set at 50 overs per side, and the game typically extends for up to 9 hours. The Cricket World Cup, usually held every four years, follows this format. One Day International matches are sometimes referred to as Limited Overs Internationals (LOI), although this term can also encompass Twenty20 International matches. ODIs hold significant importance and are regarded as the highest standard of List A limited-overs cricket competition.
Ravichandran Ashwin has been selected to represent India in the upcoming three ODIs against Australia, scheduled for September 22, 24, and 27. In a strategic move, regular captain Rohit Sharma, along with senior players including Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav, will be rested for the first two matches. KL Rahul will take on the captaincy for these initial fixtures. The core members of the team will return for the third ODI, which is also India’s final ODI before the upcoming World Cup.
India Squad for the First Two ODIs:
- KL Rahul (Captain)
- Shubman Gill
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Shreyas Iyer
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mohammed Shami
- Tilak Varma
- Prasidh Krishna
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Washington Sundar
Squad for the Third ODI:
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mohammed Shami
- Hardik Pandya
- Virat Kohli
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel (subject to fitness)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Washington Sundar
The inclusion of both Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar as off-spinning all-rounders comes as a response to Axar Patel’s injury, although selectors remain hopeful about Patel’s return, as stated by Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors. Agarkar made it clear in a press conference that the decision regarding Axar Patel’s fitness will be made once they have more information.
Despite not having played an ODI since 2022, Ravichandran Ashwin remains in discussions with captain Rohit Sharma and is considered a valuable option due to his extensive experience. Rohit emphasized Ashwin’s experience and revealed that the decision to include him was made after assessing his fitness and readiness. KL Rahul’s elevation to the captaincy role reflects his resurgence in the team, having initially faced uncertainty but making a strong comeback after Shreyas Iyer’s late injury. Shreyas Iyer, who had recovered from a stress fracture and surgery, encountered back spasms during the Asia Cup, providing Rahul with an opportunity to secure his place in the middle order. The selectors are optimistic about Iyer’s full fitness and expect him to showcase it during the Australia series.
