On June 30, 2017, Ravichandran Ashwin had played his last ODI. 12 months later, the off-spinner has vouched to return to the limited overs set-up and be a part of the squad for the ODI World Cup in England, next year.
"It's definitely not in my control. Like any other cricketer, I want to wear the blue jersey and represent India at the World Cup. That's obviously there deep within.
"At this stage of my career, physically and mentally, I am just focusing on enjoying my cricket. If I land an opportunity, I want to be in a good frame of mind to grab it with both hands," the 31-year-old said.
To be fair to Ashwin, his numbers in the 111 ODIs (150 wickets) that he has played so far, are not the worst. The problem is the two young wrist spinners – Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav – whom he is fighting with, have even better numbers.
In fact, Ashwin and his Test-bowling partner Ravindra Jadeja were rested for Sri Lanka series following a hectic Champions Trophy and West Indies tour. Therefore, Ashwin’s dreams of getting his place back in the ODI side are not unrealistic at all. He was not dropped for his poor run of form, it had more to do with the outstanding performance of Kuldeep and Chahal that the both Ashwin and Jadeja have found it difficult to make their way back to the ODI squad.
Ashwin’s staggering numbers in Test cricket bear testimony to his form. The seasoned campaigner has picked up 41 wickets in 9 Test matches at an average of 16.17 since being dropped from the ODI squad. He sits fifth in the ICC Test bowling rankings and has 316 wickets to his name in the longest form of the game.
The experienced campaigner, who led IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab in the last edition is however not ready to ponder too much on his absence from white ball cricket, he instead, wants to continue doing well in whatever opportunity he gets and leave it up to the selectors.
"It entirely depends on what other people (team management and selectors) perceive of my cricket," Ashwin concluded.