Ravichandran Ashwin Would Have By no means Been In The Scene If Axar Patel Hadn’t Been Injured

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his ideas on off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion within the squad for the upcoming ODI sequence. Mohammad Kaif emphasised that Ravichandran Ashwin wouldn’t have been picked had Axar Patel not been injured.

Ravichandran Ashwin has been named in India’s squad for the ODI sequence in opposition to Australia. The veteran spinner was recalled to India’s ODI group after practically 20 months. He final performed an ODI match in January final 12 months, the place he had a forgettable outing with the ball.

They Went For The Expertise In Ravichandran Ashwin – Mohammad Kaif

Talking to Star Sports activities on their YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif highlighted that Ravichandran Ashwin may very well be most popular over Washington Sundar, contemplating his expertise and spectacular wicket tally throughout codecs in worldwide cricket.

“If Axar hadn’t been injured then we wouldn’t have seen this transfer and Ashwin would have by no means been within the scene. Now Axar has suffered a pressure harm and that takes time to recuperate from,” Kaif informed star Sports activities.

“It doesn’t matter what they are saying that he can be again in per week’s time however such accidents take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to recuperate from. That’s the reason they went for the expertise in Ashwin. And keep in mind, there isn’t any comparability between Ashwin and Sundar. He has 900 wickets (712) throughout codecs!” he added.

Ashwin was not included in India’s squad for the not too long ago concluded Asia Cup 2023. Nonetheless, the 37-year-old earned a spot within the squad after left-arm spinner Axar Patel was dominated out of the primary two video games in opposition to Australia because of a left quadriceps pressure.

There Is No Planning Right here – Irfan Pathan

Throughout the identical dialogue, Irfan Pathan criticized the choice to recall Ravichandran Ashwin after virtually two years. Pathan emphasised that Ashwin is underneath immense stress as he hasn’t performed within the 50-over format for a very long time.

“You get a greater spinner than Ashwin in your entire world. However in a event as massive because the World Cup, the place there may be immense stress, you may’t count on a senior participant to stroll in and play for the group in a format which he hasn’t performed for a very long time and show his value. So you’re leaving it fully to destiny,” Irfan Pathan mentioned.

“There isn’t any planning right here. Had there been a plan for Ashwin, they need to have given him some sport time earlier than the World Cup. Sure he can be enjoying in opposition to Australia, however is that sufficient? It’s a must to bowl for 10 overs, and alter within the group as effectively and provides India that end result. It isn’t that simple. Planning ought to have been higher,” he mentioned.

The Tamil Nadu spinner was an everyday member of the Indian group from 2010 to 2017. Nonetheless, he went down within the pecking order after wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal took the mantle as lead spinners.

Additionally learn: IND vs BAN: Ravichandran Ashwin Believes ICC Intended To Curb India’s Dominance By Introducing Powerplay Rules In 2015