Speaking to Times of India, Azharuddin said, “I can understand if both Ashwin and Jadeja are rested for the Sri Lankan series. But when India are playing against a team like Australia, your best spinners should be used. After all, you are playing at home and on wickets that suit them. They should have been given a chance to play the Australian series.”  

The two spinners were replaced by Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal in the squad, who have taken their chances really well when asked to step up from the bench. While announcing the side, MSK Prasad, Chairman of selectors, had said, "The team for the three ODIs against Australia has been selected in line with the rotation policy of the Board and accordingly R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been rested.”

Ashwin is currently playing the County Championships in England and will seemingly return to India after it is over. Not taking anything away from the immense experience that county cricket gives to a player, Azhar said, “It’s good that Ashwin is playing in the County Championship. The County stint will do a world of good to his confidence. But if I were a captain, I would definitely make Ashwin and Jadeja play in the Australia series at home.”