Cricket legend and former Sri Lankan spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan recently shared his insights and dropped truth bombs on India's squad for the forthcoming ODI World Cup. Known for his record-breaking career with 800 Test wickets, Muralitharan expressed reservations about India including three spinners in their playing XI.
"Only for the sake of variation you cannot play three spinners in a team. You can play only two. Ravindra Jadeja will play as an all-rounder and one more can play," Muralitharan told PTI. According to him, a strong combination would be the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. "You have to see what is the right combination is. If they play Jadeja and Kuldeep, it is okay, since you have also got an off-spinner and a wrist-spinner," he added.
While the omission of Yuzvendra Chahal from the squad has led to significant debate, Muralitharan believes it's a justified decision. He stated that both Kuldeep Yadav and reserve spinner Axar Patel have demonstrated better form compared to Chahal. "I don't know the current form of (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Yuzvendra) Chahal. Do not judge (a player's) form on T20s — T20 is different and one-day is different. You also need to highlight that Kuldeep and Axar have put in better performances than Chahal," the spin wizard noted. Muralitharan suggested that Chahal's absence from domestic one-day cricket could be a factor against him. "I do not mind having experience, but is Chahal playing domestic cricket? If no, then how can you pick him?," he questioned.
Muralitharan also elaborated on the importance of domestic one-day cricket for selection into the national team. He made it clear that players need to participate in domestic matches, cautioning against relying solely on IPL performances for selection.
"I do not mind having experience, but is Chahal playing domestic cricket? If no, then how can you pick him? He is out. In my mind, if he is not playing domestic one-day cricket, then how can you pick him?" he questioned.
Chahal last featured in ODIs in January 2023 and Muralitharan stated that the team management and selectors would have faced the backlash had he failed to perform if selected.
"In Chahal's case, if he has not played domestic and one-day cricket recently, then you cannot pick him. What happens if he does not perform? Everyone will ask the selectors as to why you picked up somebody who has not played (ODI in last 6 months)," he said.
"For me, they (the spinners) would have been Jadeja, Ashwin, and Kuldeep. They have to play domestic one-day cricket and perform, then only they can get in. If they do not play domestic and only play IPL, it is wrong," he asserted.
When it comes to India's celebrated batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Muralitharan had strong opinions. "They (Kohli and Rohit) are two of India's best players and still they can play for a while. Why are you saying this event will be the last?," he said, opposing media speculations about the pair's imminent retirement. "Virat is only about 34; he has another five years of international cricket in him. Rohit is 36. Media cannot say these guys are going to leave now. It is about them to decide if they have had enough of cricket,” Muralitharan pointed out.
Speaking on the overall World Cup scenario, Muralitharan emphasized the role of team effort over individual brilliance. "You have to expect from everyone," said the 1996 World Cup champion. He also said that Asian teams would have a favorable advantage due to conditions, especially hosts India. "India and Pakistan will have a good chance; Sri Lanka is playing well, and Bangladesh. Asian countries have a good chance,” he opined.
In closing, the cricketing legend expressed his thoughts on the future of ODI cricket. "Cricket will get boring if ODI cricket is not there," he warned, urging the ICC to ponder the format's long-term viability.
With World Cup fever gaining momentum, insights from legends like Muralitharan offer invaluable perspectives on team strategies and the future of the sport. Whether India follows his two-spinner strategy or opts for a different approach remains to be seen, but his words certainly add a layer of depth to the ongoing discussions.
(With PTI inputs)
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Asia Cup: Babar Azam issues big statement on India vs Pakistan's Super 4 after dominant win against Bangladesh
Dhawan reacts after exclusion from India's ODI World Cup squad, wins heart with emotional message for fellow teammates
'Don't get fooled by overall averages': Srikkanth doesn't feel Thakur is an all-rounder, questions selection in World Cup squad
Asia Cup 2023: Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah's pace troubles Bangladesh batters, Pakistan start Super Fours with easy 7-wicket win in Lahore
Former Sri Lanka and KKR spinner arrested over match-fixing charges
Harbhajan Singh shocked to see India’s ‘Pure Match Winner’s’ exclusion from World Cup squad
