Home
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin pointed out the flaws present in the side's playing XI for the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. He feels that Sai Sudharsan deserved a place in the team's XI for the match and remarked that the Men in Blue should have played him instead of opting for four spinners.
“I am really worried for Sai Sudharsan, he is a good player. What would he be thinking after being dropped? I always feel that four spinners are too many to have in a team," Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
He further pointed out how Washington Sundar was barely given the ball throughout the match, adding that it may affect his confidence. He also criticised India's approach of choosing too many all-rounders in their playing XI instead of specialists..
“Washington Sundar didn’t even bowl in the second innings. You play four spinners, then you don’t give a single over to one of them. These are all going to play into the confidence of the players," Ashwin stated.
“I know that in a T20I you tend to go with all-rounders, but specialists will work in Tests. In many ways, creating a lot of stability without insecurity and giving people the roles is extremely crucial," he added.
Ashwin questions Sundar's batting position
Finally, Ashwin went on to question the team's decision of playing Sundar as a No.3 instead of Sudharsan and remarked that only time will tell if the former can adapt to batting at the position where the best batters of the team are generally given the opportunity to play.
“He (Sundar) has the ability. But whether it is the right decision, only time can answer. We can speak about it and dissect it after a loss, but we have to give him time. I really think Sai Sudharsan has a good future," Ashwin concluded.
India looking for revenge
Meanwhile, India will be hoping to bounce back from the 30-run defeat at Eden Gardens in the second Test that will be held at the Barsapara stadium in Guwahati from November 22. It is essential for the Men in Blue to win this match if they want to avoid losing the home series.
ADVERTISEMENT
