'Someone Like R Ashwin...': Dravid Speaks On Off-Spinner's Role Ahead Of Australia Series

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia on Monday.

Rahul Dravid took part in a pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI between India and Australia. ( Image Source :Getty )

The Indian team is set to lock horns with Australia in a three-match ODI from September 22 to September 27. This series will mark the last international assignment for both India and Australia ahead of the World Cup 2023. The Indian team had a great outing in the recently passed Asia Cup 2023 where they secured a historic win over Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2023 Final to clinch their 8th title. They will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the three-match ODI series against Australia.

Ahead of the first ODI between India and Australia, head coach Rahul Dravid took part in a pre-match press conference where he spoke about their plans and preparations.

“We will rotate our pacers in the ODI series against Australia”, Rahul Dravid said.

He also spoke about the reason as to why they opted for Ashwin. According to Dravid, the veteran all-rounder has a lot of experience and is a handy contributor with the bat too.

“Someone like Ravichandran Ashwin provides experience and also contributes with the bat at No. 8”, Dravid added.

Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia on Monday. Since regular left-arm spinner Axar Patel got injured, the board added Ravichandran Ashwin to the squad. BCCI also decided to give rest to senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, and Hardik Pandya for the first two matches and as a result, KL Rahul has been named as the captain of the side.

BCCI’s move to add Ashwin for the three-match series against Australia has left the cricket community baffled. There is a section of fans who feel that it is the right decision to add the veteran to the side while the other section criticised the board’s call.

The first ODI between India and Australia will take place on Friday in Mohali.