The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released India's roster for the forthcoming ODI and T20I series against the West Indies on Wednesday (January 26). Following a dismal 0-3 setback in the previous ODI series against South Africa, the national selectors made some big changes, as expected. While young people were recognised for their outstanding performances on the domestic circuit, there were several notable exceptions.
One of the significant omissions from the squad was Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner produced a strong showing in the T20 World Cup after making a comeback in white-ball cricket last year. He was then called up to the ODI squad for the South Africa tour. However, he struggled with the bat, taking only one wicket in two games and bowling at an economy rate of over 5.
The BCCI did not provide any explanation for the legendary off-dismissal. spinner's According to a report in the Times of India, the 35-year-old is unable to participate due to fitness issues. According to the report, Ashwin had major wrist and ankle injuries during the ODI series against South Africa.
The legendary bowler was said to have twisted his ankle and fallen on his wrist, resulting in several injuries. This fitness issue could not have come at a worse time for Ashwin, who was preparing to make his white-ball comeback. With India's abundance of effective spin bowlers and Ashwin's age of 35, it's unclear whether the selectors will consider him for white-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, on February 6, the home series versus the West Indies begins. The Men in Blue will take the field as favourites, despite Kieron Pollard's side's recent struggles in 50-over cricket. The selectors have stuck with Yuzvendra Chahal when it comes to available spin options. Kuldeep Yadav has been recalled to the ODI squad, while Ravi Bishnoi, a youthful leg-spinner, has received his first call-up to the national team.
India ODI squad against West Indies: Rohit Sharma (Capt), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), D Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan
