The last time R. Ashwin featured in an ODI was almost a year ago. In fact, when Ashwin walks in in the India jersey for the first of the three ODIs against England here on Sunday, it will be exactly a year after his last appearance.
“It’s more of a mental switch. We played T20s in America in between, that was a bit of a good switch. I thought I switched pretty well,” he said.
“I am sure it is going to be a challenge. We are going to get into the practice. The next three or four days is going to be very, very important. I tried to tick as many boxes as possible when I practised in Chennai.
“But nothing like game-time. It’s almost like getting back into a different format. Having said that, these practice sessions will be very important.” Is he carrying the burden of 2016’s performances into this year?
“It was a good year. But it is done and dusted,” he said. “The game doesn’t give you much time these days. It’s very important to dust it up and get on with the game. As far as I am concerned, 2017 is a new year and I am going to start off afresh.”
On the opposition’s quality, he said: “This England side has played (brilliant) one-day tournaments in the last year or so. “It has made some mammoth scores in England as well. So it is a side which will look to be positive. Because T20 cricket, in ODI cricket also there are hardly any dull overs,” he said.
“I think we’re playing a full-strength Indian team after a long time. We also have Yuvi back in the side. So that’s also going to add to your experience,” Ashwin said.
