The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s announcement of India’s squad for the West Indies T20Is sprung a big surprise as Ravichandran Ashwin returned for the first time since November 2021. After the conclusion of the T20 World Cup last year, Ashwin barely played the shortest format for India. But, was back for the 5 T20Is against West Indies.
The West Indies T20Is is India’s last major bilateral assignment before this year’s T20 World Cup. Though a series against Zimbabwe is there, it isn’t expected to feature the senior players.
Aakash Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, questioned why Ashwin has been absent from T20Is since last year’s T20 World Cup.
“Ravichandran Ashwin is back, that’s an interesting one. What is the long-term perspective? Why was he not there in the team for the last 8-10 months? Why was he totally sidelined after the World Cup and why has he come back now?”
Chopra is firmly of the opinion that Ashwin should’ve been picked for the T20Is against Sri Lanka and South Africa, and maybe, even against England.
“Actually he did play five matches (including three at the World Cup), he did well but after that, he has not got too many chances. Then you should have played him against Sri Lanka and South Africa as well. You didn’t play him in the T20Is in England as well although he was there in England, you could have played him.” [sic]
A total of 5 spinners have been picked for the T20Is against West Indies but there’s no mention of Washington Sundar among them. Chopra asked why isn’t there clarity over Sundar’s case, asking whether he is out because of an injury or another reason.
“This is another very big story that Ravichandran Ashwin is there but there is no trace of Washington Sundar. There is no update about Washi Sundar, if he is fit or injured because he was going far ahead, that he bowls well, can bat as well, fielding is okay-okay.”
“It’s a great opportunity for R Ashwin to be fair. Jaddu [Jadeja] will play, Axar has also been kept in the team with him, Ravi Bishnoi is also there in this team. There will be turning pitches, so spin will be used more. You will play him for sure.”
Ashwin would be eager to do well against West Indies if he is to bag a spot in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2022. A number of other spinners, including Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvenndra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, etc. fighting for 3-4 spots in the Indian squad that would be on that flight to Australia in a couple of months’ time.
