Ashwin set to play a local one day game ahead of the AUS series 

R Ashwin was recently seen at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, practising his white ball skills. Furthermore, he is expected to compete in a 50 over fixture in Chennai on Tuesday. In spite of earning a recall for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, the veteran off spinner is assiduously preparing himself for any potential scenarios. 

The VAP Trophy’s one day league is up and running in Chennai. Ashwin, who represented India in 113 ODIs, including the triumphant 2011 World Series campaign, is set to don the Take Solution MRPA jersey. His side will take the field against Young Stars at the SSN College Ground. He has also participated in numerous three day games inside the local league a few weeks back. 

A TNCA official said, “He wants to spend some time on the ground, and a 50-over game will provide him with that opportunity. He recently visited the NCA for routine maintenance work on his body and to hone his skills under the guidance of spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. He's determined to prepare himself comprehensively for any and all challenges."

Following the announcement of the India squad for the Australia series during a media conference, Rohit Sharma was asked if he is concerned about Ashwin playing only two ODIs in the last six years. In response, the skipper stressed that the crafty off-spinner’s ginormous experience attenuated any doubts about his limited game time in the ODIs in recent years. Ashwin is resolute to justify his selection and validate the trust shown in him by the skipper, team management and the selectors. He last played an ODI game in January 2022 against South Africa, and has picked a total of 151 wickets in 111 ODI innings. 

The team has been told to gather in Chandigarh on September 20 in preparation for the series opener, scheduled for September 22. Aswin will have to straightway travel to Mohali immediately after the game.