Ravichandran Ashwin has been a key figure in Indian cricket over the years. The star off-spinner has also won India matches on numerous occasions. He has also unquestionably been instrumental in shaping the team’s success over an extended period. However, the involvement of Ashwin in the recent three major white-ball events, particularly the ODI World Cup 2023 had sparked significant debate within the cricketing community and fans.
With the T20I World Cup 2024 on the horizon, the legendary India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has offered his viewpoint on the possibility of Ravichandran Ashwin being included in India’s limited-overs squad. Yuvraj’s stance adds a fascinating dimension to the ongoing discussion about Ashwin’s role in white-ball cricket, offering fans and analysts something to ponder.
The veteran India player presented a nuanced viewpoint on Ashwin, acknowledging the spinner’s excellence in Test cricket while expressing reservations about his suitability in limited-overs formats. He particularly raised concerns about the spin maestro’s performance with the bat and in the field during white-ball encounters, indicating that his skills might be better suited for Test matches.
“Ashwin is a great bowler but I don’t think he deserves a place in ODIs and T20s. He is very good with the ball, but what does he bring with the bat? Or as a fielder? In the Test team, yes, he should be there. But in white-ball cricket, I don’t think he deserves a place,” Yuvraj said as quoted by TNN.
Indian team needs Hardik Pandya: Yuvraj Singh
The 2011 World Cup winner also underscored the significance of Hardik Pandya in the Indian team, recognizing his importance while voicing apprehension about his susceptibility to injuries. The cricketer from Chandigarh recommended allowing Pandya sufficient time for recovery and stability, emphasizing the necessity to maximize his contributions.
“Hardik is a very important member of the team and India need him. He is injury prone and we need to give him time to recuperate and settle down. We have to get the best out of him. As for captaincy, we need to have more options,” the former India batter added.
