R Ashwin: Indian off-spinner returns to ODI setup after 20 months for India vs Australia | ODI World Cup

January 21, 2022 - that's the last time Ravichandran Ashwin played a one-day international (ODI) for India.

20 months later - The bowling all-rounder is once again in the mix, having been picked in the squad for the 3-match ODI series against Australia. Ashwin's inclusion comes at a time when India are sweating over the injury to Axar Patel.

The injury to Axar has once again opened the doors for the veteran spinner. Even though Axar is supposed to make a return to the squad for the 3rd ODI, his inclusion is subject to fitness.

And R Ashwin's addition to the squad days before the World Cup means the all-rounder could well be picked in the main squad if Axar's recovery takes time.

Captain Rohit Sharma had already hinted at Ashwin's inclusion after the side's 10-wicket win in the Asia Cup final, stating that he has been in touch with the off-spinner.

During the post-match press conference, Rohit was asked about Washington Sundar's inclusion in the final after Axar's injury. To which, the Indian captain replied, "As a spinner-all-rounder, Ashwin is in the line. I have been talking to him on the phone. The injury happened to Axar at the last minute. Washington was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us."

And now, Rohit's comment has been rubber-stamped by Ashwin's selection for the 3-match series, which also implies that the 2011 World Cup winner is once again in the running to play in another World Cup at home.