R Ashwin was sent ahead of Shimron Hetmyer by the Delhi Capitals (DC) during their run chase against the Chennai Super Kings, according to Ajit Agarkar (CSK).
In the Indian Premier League match, Ashwin walked into bat when Ripal Patel’s wicket fell. With Shikhar Dhawan already at the other end, the Delhi Capitals management sought to preserve a left-right batting combination in the middle.
When Ripal Patel’s wicket dropped in the Indian Premier League match Ashwin stepped into bat. The Delhi Capitals wanted to keep a left-right batting combination in the middle with Shikhar Dhawan already at the other end.
“I obviously don’t agree. They sent a right-hander because Moeen Ali’s two or three overs were left. When you play a batsman, it is not good for his confidence as well if you don’t show confidence in him. I don’t think sending Ashwin was the right call.” He reasoned
The Delhi Capitals’ choice to promote Ashwin ahead of Shimron Hetmyer was also questioned by Gautam Gambhir.
“I cannot tell you what could be the thinking behind it because he is your main batsman. You have played him ahead of Smith in the playing XI and you send Ashwin ahead of him. You could have sent him before Axar.” He explained
Moeen Ali
A good southpaw should be able to neutralize the threat of an off-spinner like Moeen Ali, according to the former Delhi Capitals captain.
“If you keep him so low down the order, you are putting more pressure on him. A quality batsman will play well against off-spin. When he came to bat, he played off-spin that time as well. So it would have been better if you had sent him earlier, he would have got more time and you could have had an easier win.” Gambhir elaborated
“Going ahead I want to see that if you have picked Hetmyer as the main batsman, then you play him at his own number. If you play him at No.6 or No.7, then he will bat like that only,” he added
The Delhi Capitals did not have to pay a price for keeping Hetmyer out of their batting order. The Guyanese slammed an unbeaten 28 off 18 deliveries to help Rishabh Pant’s side finish in the top two.
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