Gambhir on R Ashwin’s ODI Career
Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the best Test bowlers ever. But, he never reached that level of fame in ODIs, despite his great potential. As Ashwin ends his international career, old remarks by Gautam Gambhir have resurfaced. They criticize Ashwin’s poor ODI record.
In an interview with Sportskeeda, Gambhir praised Ashwin. He admired his ability to adapt as a bowler. But, he was disappointed that the spinner didn’t play more ODIs for India.
Gambhir: Ashwin Deserved More ODI Opportunities
Ravichandran Ashwin has played over 100 ODIs and 65 T20Is for India. He is an all-time great in Test cricket, with over 500 wickets. However, Gambhir feels that Ashwin could have done more in ODIs if given more chances.
“Very good (his evolution as a bowler). In fact, if there is one area of disappointment, it is that I feel he should have played a lot more of one-day cricket. The kind of bowler that he is – someone who can take 500 Test wickets. … I don’t know how many ODIs he has played, but if he had featured in more one-day games, the country could have seen his potential, not only as a bower but an all-rounder as well.”
Why Ashwin Didn’t Shine in White-Ball Cricket
Gambhir did not blame captains, selectors, or coaches for Ashwin’s few ODIs. He noted that team combos and personal preferences often dictate selections.
“But again, many times there are things like team combination (that come into the picture). Sometimes captains have a different thought process. Some prefer wrist-spinners who can take wickets in the middle,” Gambhir said.
Ashwin’s ODI career coincided with a time when teams preferred wrist-spinners for their wicket-taking skills in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal were among them. This shift in strategy likely limited Ashwin’s chances. His guile and variations could control the game.
Ashwin’s ODI Career: A Look at the Numbers
Ashwin’s ODI career may not match his Test success. But, his numbers show his skill and impact.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s ODI Stats:
- Matches Played: 116
- Wickets Taken: 156
- Bowling Average: 33.20
- Economy Rate: 4.93
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/25
Ashwin’s economy rate of under 5 runs per over in ODIs shows he can control the game. This is despite his limited opportunities.
A Missed Opportunity for India?
Gambhir stressed that Ashwin could excel in white-ball cricket. He had the skills to be both a bowler and an all-rounder. But, the rise of wrist-spinners and new tactics left Ashwin’s ODI career unfulfilled.
“I think Ashwin had that quality to play more white-ball cricket for India,” he concluded.
Ashwin’s Test achievements secure his legacy as one of India’s greatest cricketers. But, his ODI journey raises questions. What if things had gone differently?
Key Takeaways
- Gautam Gambhir believes R Ashwin deserved more chances in ODIs. His potential and skills are high.
- Ashwin’s limited ODI appearances were likely influenced by team strategies favoring wrist-spinners.
- Ashwin has played 116 ODIs. His white-ball career is overshadowed by his great success in Test cricket.
As Ashwin retires from international cricket, his red-ball legacy is unmatched. His white-ball career, though, sparks thoughts of untapped potential.
