Former Indian batter explains why R Ashwin would be key for next game against Bangladesh

After facing a humiliating defeat against South Africa, team India would look to make a comeback in the next game against Bangladesh on November 2, Wednesday. However, India came up with subpar efforts on the field and many fans opined that the team must improve on the same. 

Wasim Jaffer, the former Indian cricketer, pointed out the importance of Ravichandran Ashwin, although the Indian fans wanted him out of the Indian team. The renowned cricketer said that the veteran off-spinner would come in handy with the bat in the lower order and added that the bowler must take wickets in the middle overs. 

“Maybe Yuzvendra Chahal can play, you never know. It’s a small boundary at the Adelaide Oval and there are multiple left-handed batters in the Bangladesh team. Both of their openers are left-handers and Afif Hossain too is a left-handed batter. So maybe, Ashwin is needed there but Ashwin needs to come good as a bowler,” Jaffer was quoted as saying by CricTracker. 

There’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well: Jaffer

Further, Jaffer said that post the departure of Ashwin, while batting, the current Indian team can rely on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and added that the pacer had all it takes to contribute a few odd runs with the bat. 

“He’s economical but I think India probably wants him to pick wickets in the middle overs. It’s important you know, being economical sometimes is not good, it just drags the match. India need wickets in the middle, so if Ashwin plays, I think he needs to pick up wickets,” Jaffer said further. 

“Ashwin’s batting may help India in the lower order. He can contribute with the bat at number seven or eight. Post Ashwin, there’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well. So, there’s a comfort factor for the batters as well as they will be confident that the tailenders won’t directly come into the picture after number six,” the former Indian cricketer added further. As things stand, India would look to clinch an emphatic win against the Bangla Tigers on Wednesday and the Men in Blue must win the game to stay in the race for the knockouts.