"Maybe they will leave two out of the top five batters for South Africa" - R Ashwin's massive claim after India's victory in IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin made a massive claim after India's victory in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa. The Men in Blue won the three-match series 2-1.

India's batters performed well in the series. Virat Kohli scored two hundreds and a half-century, Rohit Sharma scored two half-centuries, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a century each. However, Ashwin reckoned that it would be tough for the selectors to lock in batters for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027.

He reflected that Rohit and Kohli were sure to be there with Shubman Gill as the captain. With Shreyas Iyer likely to return as well, Ashwin expressed that two out of the top five who played the South Africa series could be left out.

"I am very happy that I am not the selector. Maybe they will leave two out of the top five batters for South Africa. Rohit and Virat are gunning to be there. Gill is the captain and India have made a commitment. So this locks your top three. There is space for a spare opener. It could be between Jaiswal and Gaikwad. Shreyas will also be back. There is still a lot of cricket and things will be factored after the IPL," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

Ashwin also praised Rohit and Virat for putting in the effort and proving themselves once again. He believed that they had nothing to prove to anyone, but their performance after coming from a break and playing only one format set an example for future generations to follow.

"Both have put in work and come in. The fact that they had to prove it is laughable. What is there for them to prove? They have given the message. We all have ups and downs in a long career. They don't have to prove anyone. But if they have done it, this is an example for the younger generation coming through. You have to show this sort of commitment," he added.

Rohit made 146 runs from three matches at an average of 48.66 and a strike rate of 110.60. Meanwhile, Kohli had a phenomenal series. He slammed 302 runs from three games at an average of 151 and a strike rate of 117.05.

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Ravichandran Ashwin on Yashasvi Jaiswal's century in third ODI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, opening in the absence of Shubman Gill, struck an unbeaten century in the final ODI that helped India seal the series. The Men in Blue chased down 271 runs in just 39.5 overs with nine wickets to spare.

Ashwin reckoned that it was a vital innings for Jaiswal, given the competition in the team. When Shubman Gill returns for the next ODI series, Jaiswal would certainly find himself on the bench. However, it was important for the left-hander to showcase his worth and remain in contention to make the World Cup squad.

Ashwin also praised Jaiswal for going away from his natural game initially and spending time in the middle.

"The pressure was on Jaiswal. Gill will be back, Ruturaj scored and Tilak was sitting out. There will be competition for places and he also knows it. He has always found that he is out of the team very quickly, so this knock was important for him. He curbed his natural instinct. It was unlike Jaiswal and he played his natural game later. It was about spending time. I loved how he made full use of the opportunity. Rohit helped him a lot to build the innings as well and it was good to watch," he said.

Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 116 off 121 balls. His knock included 12 fours and two maximums at a strike rate of 95.87. It was a much-needed century after having failed to score in the first two games.