India locked horns with England in the second Test of five-match Test series, which took place at Lord’s, London. Meanwhile once again there was no Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI of the Indian team. Despite Shardul Thakur getting injured. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has given his views on the absence of the champion off-spinner from the playing XI.

Ravichandran Ashwin is arguably the best Test spinner in the World currently, he has already picked over 400 Test wickets. Still, 34-year-old was not selected in the first Test against England which was played at Nottingham. Meanwhile bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur replaced Ashwin in the match.

Feels like England have picked the right team & India haven’t … Ashwin should have played for India to give them more Batting plus his quality bowling … He bowls well in all conditions … Perfect bowling day … Feels like a wickets day … #ENGvIND

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 12, 2021

However, Shardul Thakur suffered a hamstring injury and was ruled out of the second Test, many fans expected that Ashwin will return in playing XI but it didn’t happen. As Ishant Sharma was picked as Shardul’s replacement in Lord’s Test.

While talking to ESPNCricinfo, VVS Laxman elaborated that Ravichandran Ashwin brings a lot of experience and variety with him. Further, he talked about Virat Kohli’s comment that they wanted to go with 4 pacers and 1 spinner. Also, Laxman feels Ashwin will not be selected in playing XI anytime soon. He said:

“Ashwin gets that variety in the bowling attack and has got an abundance of experience. It is clear from what Virat Kohli said in Nottingham that he wants to continue with this template. I think it is clear that Ashwin will have to wait for his time. If Ashwin isn’t playing in these conditions, I don’t see him getting in the XI.”

“That should have been in place of Mohammed Siraj” – VVS Laxman on Ishant Sharma’s inclusion

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman feels, Ishant Sharma should have replaced Mohammad Siraj. Also, he expressed his disappointment on Ashwin’s absence from playing XI.

“Ishant Sharma walks into the XI when he is 100 percent fit, but that should have been in place of Mohammed Siraj. I can’t comprehend what changed from the all-important World Test Championship final where Ravichandran Ashwin was your go-to first-choice spinner. And in a matter of a month, he can’t even find a place in the XI,” he added. 

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