While it's an open secret that Ravichandran Ashwin's ODI recall after 20 months gives an opportunity to the seasoned off-spinner to audition for the World Cup, head coach Rahul Dravid has stressed that a bowler of Ashwin's stature can't be put on "trial".
Ashwin and fellow off-spinner Washington Sundar have been picked as Axar Patel's replacement. Axar is recovering from a quadricep tear.
"I will not say that for him it is a trial or anything (for Ashwin), we know his quality. This is a chance for him to play in this format and we just want to give him an opportunity to play in two or three games. If we have a player like Ashwin, who we can rely upon if someone is injured, it's a blessing for us. It's a good chance for him to test himself because he has not played 50-over cricket for a long time," Dravid said.
Dravid also has faith in Ashwin's batting abilities, and feels that he can chip in with a few runs at No. 8, considering the experience that he carries in his kitbag.
"Someone like Ashwin provides you that experience, that ability to also contribute with the bat at No. 8. Someone we always thought of that in case there are certain opportunities open, he is someone who is definitely a part of your plans," Dravid.
Dravid also backed batsman Suryakumar Yadav, who has an average of less than 25 in 27 ODIs, to make the cut on September 27, the day India will announce its final 15 for the World Cup.
"I don't think Surya needs to worry about the 27th. That's not why we picked our team for the World Cup, and Surya is in it and we have made our decision to do that and we completely back it," said an assertive Dravid while backing the Mumbai right-hander.
