New Delhi: India's premier spinner, R Ashwin, is leaving no stone unturned in his relentless pursuit of securing a coveted spot in the upcoming ODI World Cup squad. With the cricketing extravaganza looming just days away, Ashwin is sparing no effort in fine-tuning his game to ensure he makes the cut.
In an impressive display of commitment, Ashwin, along with the mentorship of the Indian team's head coach, Rahul Dravid, embarked on an impromptu late-night batting practice session. This intensive training session followed India's commendable victory over Pat Cummins-led Australia, where they emerged triumphant by five wickets in a fiercely contested match at Mohali.
Despite sweltering conditions prevailing during the first encounter between India and Australia, both teams were afforded just a solitary day's respite before clashing once again for the second fixture. Rest was paramount for players, given the taxing weather conditions; however, Ashwin had other ideas.
Unperturbed by fatigue, Ashwin appeared on the practice pitch fully kitted out, leaving broadcasters Abhishek Nayar and Mark Waugh astounded by his dedication. Nayar remarked, "How cool is that? He (Ashwin) is taking center stage, with a net set up. The support staff is putting in late hours too. It's past 10 PM, yet they persevere. With Rahul Dravid stationed at square leg, Vikram Rathour at slips, and Mark Waugh at fine leg, it's an exceptional part of his preparation. I'm certain the management has emphasized the importance of honing his batting skills."
While not initially named in the 15-member ODI World Cup squad, Ashwin's prospects have surged following an injury to Axar Patel, potentially paving the way for his inclusion should Axar fail to recover in time. Notably, even skipper Rohit Sharma has thrown his weight behind Ashwin, particularly since his last ODI appearance in January 2022.
In a candid interaction on BCCI.TV, Ashwin acknowledged the magnitude of the three-match ODI series, terming it a significant opportunity. He remarked, "It's a fantastic opportunity for me. Over the past 3-4 years, I've always maintained that it's not about personal milestones; it's about enjoying the game and maximizing my chances. After returning from the West Indies, I took a brief hiatus and participated in a few club matches. The team management has kept me in the loop, urging me to stay prepared for any opportunity that arises. I've been diligently working on my fitness and honing my skills through bowling sessions."
Ashwin added, "I aim to introduce a fresh dimension to my game. One-day cricket has evolved beyond just spin; it's now about mastering angles, crease manipulation, and varying delivery depths. I'm deliberately pushing myself out of my comfort zone, striving to break barriers. My foremost objective is to take pride in my performance and showcase my talents to the fullest."
R Ashwin's unwavering commitment to his craft is evident, as he relentlessly endeavors to make his presence felt on the international stage ahead of the highly anticipated ODI World Cup.
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