Ashwin spotted doing batting practice at centre wicket moments after India's 5-wicket win vs Australia in Mohali

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Ravichandran Ashwin was spotted going through an intense batting practice session at the centre wicket minutes after India defeated Australia by five wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series in Mohali on Friday, September 22.

The 37-year-old has been recalled in the Indian ODI side after a gap of 18 months and is in contention with Washington Sundar to replace Axar Patel in India's World Cup 2023 squad in case he fails to recover on time.

Axar Patel has been ruled out of the first two ODIs after suffering a hamstring tear in the Super Fours match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2023. Washington Sundar was flown in to Colombo for the Asia Cup 2023 final post the injury.

Ashwin and Sundar both have been picked for the 3-match ODI series against Australia. The ODI assignment is India's last heading into the World Cup 2023 which kicks off from October 5.

On Friday, Ashwin was inducted in the eleven ahead of Sundar. He completed his quota of 10 overs and picked the crucial wicket of Marnus Labuschagne who scored 39 off 49 and looked set to play a long innings. The veteran off-spinner conceded just 47 runs in the match.

Ashwin did not get an opportunity to bat as India won the match comfortably by five wickets, but the hard working cricket quickly got in the middle to get some throwdowns with head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour overlooking the proceedings.

"Someone like Ravichandran Ashwin provides experience and also contributes with the bat at No. 8. This series is no trial for Ashwin, this is just an opportunity for him in this format," Dravid told reporters in Mohali ahead of the series opener on Thursday," Rahul Dravid said ahead of the match.

Captain Rohit Sharma, who is a known supporter of Ashwin, has also mentioned about him being in regular touch with Ashwin in the lead up to the World Cup. The experienced campaigner is also making sure to leave no stone unturned and is giving his best shot to find a place in the 15-member squad.

Ashwin ahead of Sundar in World Cup 2023 race

Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar shed his views on Ashwin batting right after the conclusion of the first ODI. Talking to JioCinema, he said that the management wants to give him the maximum opportunity and is backing him. Nayar added that Ashwin is ahead of Washington Sundar and could be picked in India's World Cup 2023 in case Axar Patel does not recover on time.