Watch: R Ashwin Stuns by Walking Out for a Late Night Batting Practice Session After India's Win Over Australia in Mohali

Ravichandran Ashwin really wants a spot in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad. And he looks determined to capitalise on any opportunity that may come his way with just days remaining for the marquee event to go underway.

Why else would he drag India head coach Rahul Dravid to the middle for a late night batting practice session right after his team’s five-wicket win over Australia in an ODI in Mohali on Friday.

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Considering the punishing weather in which the 1st ODI between India and Australia began and just a day’s gap before the two teams return to the field for the 2nd match, it was prudent for the players to get as much rest as possible.

But Ashwin has got no time to rest.

Ashwin, a fully kitted Ashwin practising his shots under the floodlights left even the broadcasters Abhishek Nayar and Mark Waugh stunned.

“How cool is that?” exclaimed Nayar on camera. “He (Ashwin) is batting right in the centre, he’s got a net out. And that’s where the support staff really works hard. It’s past 10, it’s late and they are still going. He’s got Rahul Dravid at square leg, Vikram Rathour at slips, Mark Waugh at fine leg, so it’s a terrific part of the preparation. I’m sure the management has told him to work on his batting.”

Ashwin wasn’t selected in India’s 15-man squad for the world cup but an injury to Axar Patel means there’s a possibility of a vacant spot should the allrounder not recover in time for the tournament.

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Ashwin has emerged as a leading contender to replace Axar with even captain Rohit Sharma fully throwing his weight behind the veteran whose last ODI before Mohali came way back in January 2022.

During an interview on bcci.tv, Ashwin had admitted that the Australia ODIs is a ‘big opportunity’ for him.

“It’s a great opportunity for me. I have always said over the last 3-4 years that it’s not about what I want to achieve in these opportunities. I just want to enjoy myself, give myself the best chance. When I went back from West Indies, I took a break, played a few club games. The team management has kept me in loop and told me to just stay ready whenever there is a chance. I was just touching base with my fitness. Started bowling a few sessions,” Ashwin said.

“I want to bring something different to the table so I have been working on some angles because one-day cricket is not just about spin anymore. It’s more about the angles, the usage of the crease, its depth. I’m trying to put myself in a zone of discomfort, to try and push barriers as always because for me what comes first is the pride of my performance and what best abilities and talent I can showcase,” he added.