Ravichandran Ashwin looking to make white-ball return, eyes World T20
What's the story
Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is looking to make his white-ball return, as he aims to represent India in the ICC World T20 2020 in Australia.
While Ashwin has fallen behind the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya and Washington Sundar in the shortest format, he believes he can still make an impact.
Here is what he has said on the same.
Hopes alive
Ashwin says he is hopeful of playing World T20
Speaking on the same, Ashwin said that he is still hopeful of making it to the Indian squad for the ICC World T20, besides stating that he is wary of his injuries of late.
"For me, it is putting things right and getting my body ready. So, it is only a matter of time before anything came my way," he told Mumbai Mirror.
Quote
That journey [being ignored] has been quite challenging: Ashwin
"That journey [being ignored] has been quite challenging. I have learned to live and deal with it. Everybody tries to go through the journey of blaming someone else. I take it as another opportunity to try and improve myself," added Ashwin on the same.
T20 performance
Ashwin has had a decent performance in the format
Ashwin last played a T20I back in July 2017 against Windies.
Overall, he has played 46 matches and claimed 52 wickets at an economy of 6.97, while he also averages 22.9, including a couple of four-wicket hauls.
Comprehensively, in T20s, he has claimed 235 wickets in 232 matches, at an economy of 6.88 and an average of 24.3.
IPL performance
Ashwin has been struggling in IPL of late
Considering Ashwin's performance in the IPL, it has been a fair one, as in 139 matches, he has claimed 125 wickets at an economy of 6.79 and an average of 26.48.
However, his performance has taken a toll since 2016.
He averaged over 30 in 2016 and 2017, besides having an economy of 7.25 and 8.09 respectively.
In 2019, he averaged 26.66.
Current spin attack
India's current spin attack has been ruthless without Ashwin
Analyzing India's current spin attack since Ashwin's drop, Chahal and Kuldeep have been phenomenal, claiming 39 and 34 wickets each in 28 and 17 matches.
While Chahal has an economy of 8.15 and an average of 22.89, Kuldeep averages 12.35 and has an economy of 6.61.
Besides them, Krunal and Sundar, too, have been impactful, claiming 14 and 13 wickets each.
Author's take
Can Ashwin make an impact in Australia?
With the next World T20 being held in Australia, spinners would be up for a daunting task.
Furthermore, Ashwin has played just five T20Is in Australia, as he has claimed just five wickets in the same number of matches, at an economy of 7.40.
Thus, with an average performance in Australia, the author feels that Ashwin's chances of success look diminished.