India has a plethora of choices for the 2022 T20 World Cup, the most of which are in the spin department, but a few odd picks have been questioned over time by analysts and seasoned cricketers. Ravichandran Ashwin was one of those picks, having returned to the Indian T20I squad after an eight-month absence, with the T20 World Cup just two months away. Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth was “completely bewildered” by the move, questioning the entire reasoning behind Ashwin’s inclusion in the World Cup team. Also See | ‘Dinesh isn’t much of a finisher. ‘He’s just putting the finishing touches on it,’ says Srikkanth of Karthik’s position in India’s XI.
Last year, Ashwin was called into the Indian T20 World Cup team when Washington Sundar was hurt, and he played only after the Men in Blue were eliminated from contention for a berth in the semi-finals. He was retained for the following assignment, the New Zealand home series, but was eventually released. After an eight-month absence, Ashwin was recalled for the T20I series against the West Indies.
Advertisement
At the outset of the third T20I, Srikkanth said on Fan Code that Ashwin’s selection had been entirely perplexing and that he would not make his final 15 for India’s T20 World Cup team. In reality, the former top selector supported Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal for the post.
Advertisement
“That’s a big question. I’m genuinely puzzled about Ashwin. Why wasn’t he dropped, then why wasn’t he there, then why didn’t he play the T20 in England, and then why is he now in the T20s for the West Indies? It’s perplexing for all of us. Because Jadeja is your first spinner. The second option is Chahal, Axar Patel, or Ashwin, with a backup spinner. Only two of these four will be eliminated. Ideally…I’m not sure about Ashwin…it may be because of his all-rounder ability. “However, Chahal is my first choice since he is the wrist spinner,” he stated.
Ashwin has three wickets at an economy rate of 6.66 in 12 overs in three matches in the current series.
Advertisement