Seniors rested for first 2 Oz ODIs, Ashwin in

IN the end, it wasn't really a surprise. After all, from the moment India captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of the men's selection committee Ajit Agarkar named the provisional squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup, several former players and selectors have called for his inclusion. And as expected, the BCCI has included ace offspinner R Ashwin in the ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia that will begin in Mohali on September 22.

- GOMESH S

To an extent, both Rohit and Agarkar have reiterated that Ashwin was in the scheme of things. But what drove them in the direction to include, not just him but also Washington Sundar, for the upcoming series was the injury to Axar Patel during the Asia Cup. While they are confident of Axar's - who will miss the first two matches - recovery, the Australia series gives them a chance to look at both the off-spinners and change the World Cup squad if need be before the deadline ends on September 28.