R Sridhar, former fielding coach of the Indian cricket team, was surprised with the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the India squad for the ODI series against Australia, saying that he did not see the all-rounder’s inclusion coming.
Sridhar was talking during an exclusive conversation with Rupha Ramani on First Sports, Firstpost’s brand new sports show.
Ashwin last played an ODI for India in January 2022, and his inclusion comes in the aftermath of Axar Patel’s muscle tear injury.
“I was a little surprised at Ashwin’s inclusion. They had announced the World Cup squad, and I did see it coming honestly, although I quite second I,” said Sridhar in the Mic Up segment of the First Sports show.
Sridhar, however, backed for Ashwin’s presence in the dressing room, saying his presence was going to be beneficial for the team.
“I did not see Ashwin’s inclusion coming in the ODI series vs Australia, but I think Ashwin’s presence in the dressing room is invaluable. He is someone who thinks 360 degrees when he is part of a cricket match.
“He is quite ahead of the game as far as his thought process is concerned. At least, that’s the feeling I got when I used to talk to him. Having Ashwin in the change room is always going to be beneficial, no matter which team it’s for,” Sridhar added.
Sridhar was also left surprised by Sanju Samson’s omission from the team. The team management decided to rest senior players for the first two ODIs against Australia, and included Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma, but Samson was overlooked once again. Samson has struggled for consistency in limited-overs cricket for India.
“It comes as a surprise. He went to the Asia Cup as a backup for KL Rahul. KL Rahul is fit now, and he may want to keep wickets in all the three games, going by the fact that he hasn’t played international cricket for quite a bit, so he may want more game time.
“And with Ishan Kishan being in the squad as well, maybe the thought there was no place for Sanju in the squad. Having said that, you’ve got to feel for Samson. He has had a decent average and strike-rate. He has been a boon and a bane for Indian cricket,” said Sridhar.
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