Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a sensational return in India’s white-ball set up after the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The crafty spinner confirmed his return in the T20I mix when the wily spinner was named in India’s star-studded squad for the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup. After being left out of the Test side in India’s successful tour of England, Ashwin has presented a strong case to cement his place in the playing XI of the Rohit Sharma-led side.
The senior spinner also put up a show in the recently concluded T20I series between India and New Zealand. Even though Ashwin is on a roll and the veteran spinner is expected to continue his white-ball evolution under the leadership of skipper Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra doesn’t considers the spin wizard as Team India’s No.1 spinner in white-ball cricket. Chopra has also picked who he believes is India’s numero uno in the 50-over format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the upcoming Test series between India and New Zealand, Chopra opined that Ashwin can make a comeback in the One Day Internationals (ODI) for Team India. With Kuldeep Yadav sidelined due to an injury, Varun Chakaravarthy and Rahul Chahar have complimented the spin attack of the Team India side.
“If India are looking for that kind of a bowler, and not someone who searches for wickets, then he can make a comeback. If we look at wrist-spinners, India have sidelined Kuldeep Yadav, so they have only Yuzvendra Chahal and Rahul Chahar now. Varun Chakravarthy should also be in consideration. Sidelining him after playing him in a couple of T20 World Cup 2021 matches is not a good story,” Chopra said.
India’s next assignment in the 50-over format will be against South Africa. Talking about India’s away tour to South Africa, Chopra claimed that Yuzvendra Chahal is India’s No.1spinner in the ODIs. “According to me, the No. 1 spinner has to be Yuzvendra Chahal (in ODIs). Ravindra Jadeja has to play because India do not have all-rounders. I don’t see three spinners playing in South Africa, so it could be Chahal and Jadeja. Ashwin might actually be in the side. Axar Patel, Chahar and Chakravarthy could also be among the contenders,” he added.
