It is Jos Buttler's job to make Ben Stokes available for ODI World Cup: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, India's all-rounder, has responded to rumours in the British media that England Test captain Ben Stokes may reconsider his ODI retirement to play in the World Cup in India later this year.
The reports came only one day after England's white-ball coach Matthew Mott stated that Jos Buttler will play a key role in convincing Stokes to come out of retirement. "Jos will most likely lead the way on that communication, but Ben is honest with all of us."
"We'll see if he's interested," Mott told the Mail on Sunday in an interview. "There hasn't been a clear direction on what he'll do yet, but we remain hopeful." I've always thought his bowling would be a plus, but look at what he provides with the bat, and even on the field."
In response, Ashwin stated that Buttler, his Rajasthan Royals partner, is a guy of few words and that he will do all possible to urge Stokes to come out of retirement and play in the World Cup.
"They will do everything they can to persuade Ben Stokes to come out of retirement and play in the ODI World Cup, and it appears that responsibility has been assigned to Jos Buttler." According to coach Matthew Mott, Buttler's role appears to be to keep an eye on Ben Stokes.
As a result, Buttler is keeping an eye on Ben Stokes. It is now Buttler's responsibility to make Stokes available for the World Cup. And Buttler is a man of few words. He doesn't say much.
So, my assumption is that he will approach Ben Stokes and say, "Dude, please join us." It would be great if you could come out of retirement.' Buttler will remain silent. "He'll give it his all," Ashwin remarked on his YouTube account.
According to the British newspaper 'The Telegraph,' Stokes, who led England's dramatic comeback against Australia in the Ashes after falling behind 2-0, will miss next year's IPL if he participates in the ODI World Cup.
The five-Test series against India, which begins on January 25 and concludes on March 11, is the reason Stokes may forego his 16 crore annual IPL deal with CSK.
If Stokes plays two months of IPL till the end of May, he will be in India for nearly five months, which may be too much for him.
He is anticipated to have knee surgery at some point, and the IPL window appears to be the optimum moment for him to return to competitive cricket and continue leading England in the years ahead.
Ashwin recalled that Stokes announced his ODI retirement in July of last year, citing workload management as the primary reason. "Will Stokes return from retirement?" Workload management is the primary reason he quit from ODIs.
He stated that he is unable to continue playing because of knee problems. That was the whole point of abandoning one format. "But England understands how important he will be for them in the World Cup," he remarked.
Stokes had a key role in England's last two world championships, the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.
And if Buttler is searching for motivation, he can go to Stokes. After England's primary spinner Jack Leach was ruled out with an injury, England Test captain Moeen Ali persuaded him to come out of retirement and participate in the Ashes.
England kicks off their campaign against New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad.