Ravichandran Ashwin’s comeback in the team after missing the first two games of ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been an issue of debate among the media. Ravichandran Ashwin joined the team in the match against South Africa. However, reports claim that Captain Virat Kohli was in averse to including Ashwin in the squad.
Skipper Virat Kohli didn’t want the off-spinner Ashwin in the team. Instead, Virat kohli gave the names like Yuzvendra Chahal and Shahbaz Nadeem to the selectors.
The inclusion of the left arm spinner, Shahbaz Nadeem wasn’t taken much into consideration because of Ravindra Jadeja’s spot in the team. However, yuzvendra chahal’s name was discussed among the selectors. Yuzvendra chahal made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2016 and took 6 wickets in his 3 matches. Yuzvendra chahal has also been an integral part of his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Ashwin’s absence was felt in the team in the match against Sri Lanka on 8th june. Despite the huge total of 321 on board, the Indian bowlers failed to put pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen. The poor bowling performance even made the skipper himself bowl 3 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin has always been a crucial part of the Indian Cricket Team. Ashwin in his 105 ODI matches has taken 145 wickets and was rewarded as Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
“Ashwin is a top-class bowler. Everyone knows that. And he is very professional as well. He understands the dynamics of the side that was picked in the last game and he was absolutely fine with it. Ashwin told me “I support you whatever you want to do.” That”s always been our equation,”- Virat Kohli
The skipper also added that there have been some disagreements between the two of them in the past. However, Virat says that the disagreements were always based on field technical issues and were never taken off- field.
Virat Kohli added, “There are no issues whatsoever. Everyone respects and understands what we decide to do as a team.”
– by Shraddha Kejriwal
