Ravichandran Ashwin holds selection trials for TNPL team Dindigul Dragons

Champion Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin who missed out the entire duration of Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a sports hernia conducted selection trials for the Dindigul Dragons probables at the Ramachandra Medical Ground in Chennai on Wednesday. He is looking fit and raring to go for the upcoming champions Trophy scheduled to start in less than a fortnight’s time.

Ashwin was present on the ground during the whole 3-hour training session under the scorching sun and he looks totally fit by the look of things. Around 22 players from all around Tamil Nadu such as Pollachi, Madurai, Theni and Cuddalore visited the camp and their skills were scrutinised by Ashwin. The ace spinner had a lengthy discussion with HR. Srinivas who runs the team in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and is also the vice chairman and managing director of Tech Solutions.

More shortlisting of players will be done before the final selection commences. Meanwhile, Ashwin who has been a vital cog in the Indian spin department returned with as many as 82 wickets in 13 Tests during India’s long home season where they played Test series against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia. He was supported exceptionally well by Ravindra Jadeja who also bagged 71 wickets.

Ashwin will be back for CT

Ashwin was expected to be an integral part of the Rising Pune Supergiant squad in the IPL but it was the sports hernia which kept him out from any further action. He will be seen back in national colours in the upcoming Champions Trophy and just like 2013, both he and Jadeja will be a vital cog in the defence for the Men in Blue if they harbour hopes of retaining the championship again.

Ashwin’s absence paved way for 17-year-old Washington Sundar to make a name for himself in the biggest T20 league in the world. Captain Steve Smith has used him brilliantly and despite being predominantly a batsman, it has been his bowling which has helped him break into the playing XI. It was his exceptional spell of 3/16 which kept Mumbai Indians under check during the Qualifier 1