Former chief selector of India, MSK Prasad, has chosen to support a previously overlooked player whom he believes could significantly contribute to Team India’s success in the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC World Cup.
Pakistan, a former champion, has already unveiled its squad for the prestigious event, but India is still in the process of confirming its team for the Asia Cup.
Following their competition for supremacy in the continental tournament, led by Rohit Sharma, the team will be hosting the 50-over World Cup in October-November.
Having chaired the BCCI’s senior selection committee from 2016 to 2020, Prasad recommends India to rely on an unexpected white-ball talent for the forthcoming Asia Cup.
From 2016 to 2020, MSK Prasad was the chair of the BCCI’s senior selection committee
MSK Prasad hopes the dropped player will stage a remarkable comeback in the Asia Cup. Prasad recommends that India should incorporate veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in its squads for the Asia Cup and World Cup.
Ashwin, who has been excluded from India’s white-ball lineup, last participated in a One Day International (ODI) against South Africa at Boland Park in the past year.
‘Ashwin will surely prove valuable because…’
In a conversation with Star Sports ahead of the Asia Cup, Prasad expressed his preference for Ashwin, who could be a valuable asset on pitches in Asia.
“I still fancy Ravichandran Ashwin. You are playing in Asian conditions, and I think he is one guy who might be very handy with so many left-handers in the oppositions right now.”
“Australia are filled with left-handers, we have seen that. Ashwin will definitely be useful because he is also in the best state of mind also. He can be handy, especially when you are playing in Sri Lanka and India,” Prasad said.
A pivotal component of the Indian Test team, the master of spin, Ashwin, possesses the ability to single-handedly secure victories for India on their home grounds.
Nevertheless, during the ICC World Test Championship final, India’s selectors chose to opt for a pace-heavy bowling attack against Australia, leading to Ashwin’s omission.
He also didn’t make it to the squad for the away Test series against England. Should Ashwin be picked for the upcoming important tournaments, it won’t be his first return as a valuable asset.
Ashwin’s commendable performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earned him a spot in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Despite his last T20I appearance being in 2017, he made a comeback for the 2021 World Cup.
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