R Ashwin, according to Aakash Chopra, cannot bat ahead of Varun Chakravarthy in the T20 World Cup 2021 match against Pakistan since Team India needs a wicket-taking option.”Ashwin has done well but IPL was a huge sample size and there was nothing there, there were no wickets. Honestly speaking, you are looking for wickets. It is not how economical you can be.
“Ashwin has done well but IPL was a huge sample size and there was nothing there, there were no wickets. Honestly speaking, you are looking for wickets. It is not how economical you can be.” He responded
“We need wickets if you bowl in the middle overs so that you put a halt on the match there itself because if there is a set batsman and even if you have kept them under control, 70 runs can be scored off the last five overs.” Chopra reasoned
R Ashwin, who surrendered just 7.41 runs per over in the IPL 2021, was not at his best. In 13 games, the crafty spinner bowled a more restrictive line and took only seven wickets.
The plethora of right-handers in Pakistan’s batting order, according to Aakash Chopra, also works against R Ashwin’s participation.
“You definitely want to go with an experienced player in a big encounter because he will absorb the pressure but the opposing team plays spin very well. They will play off-spin well for sure. All balls will be coming in, there is only Fakhar Zaman against whom you can take the ball away, and that too if Ashwin bowls off-spin.” He elaborated
Ravindra Jadeja
Along with Ravindra Jadeja, the 44-year-old named Varun Chakravarthy or Rahul Chahar as his second spin-bowling option.
“Either I am picking Varun Chakravarthy or Rahul Chahar in my team. If Varun Chakravarthy is fit, he is my first choice spinner along with Ravindra Jadeja but if he is not fit, I will surely think about Rahul Chahar.” Chopra said
Chakravarthy is expected to appear in Team India’s playing XI against Pakistan tonight. If the team management decides to play an extra spinner against the other teams in the group, Ashwin might be involved.
Read more: Aakash Chopra says “You are looking for wickets” on R Ashwin in T20 World Cup 2021