Tom Moody, a former Australian cricketer, spoke out over Team India’s choice to replace Varun Chakravarthy with Ravichandran Ashwin. When he takes the field in Abu Dhabi against Afghanistan, the off-spinner will play his first T20I in national colors since 2017.
Chakravarthy’s bowling, according to Moody, was not a concern in India’s first two losses. R. Ashwin was picked in the team, he believes, mostly because of his relevant experience.
“I don’t think that India’s performance to this point has been down to their bowling and Chakravarthy in particular. I believe the call to start the tournament with Varun Chakravarthy was the right one as he posed a bigger threat irrespective of left or right-hand batsmen. This change is more to do with India feeling they need to draw Ashwin’s experience at this point of time. Calm head during a difficult time.” Moody said
Virat Kohli revealed during the toss that Chakravarthy had a niggle. The BCCI then said that the mystery spinner was unable to compete owing to a calf injury in his left leg. There were also concerns about the player’s knee before to the event.
Ajit Agarkar
Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar expressed his dissatisfaction with the change and expressed sympathy for Varun Chakravarthy. In the powerplay, India has struggled with the new ball, failing to pick up a single wicket. With this in mind, Agarkar believed Ashwin will use the new ball in his bowling.
“You’ve got to feel a little bit of Varun Chakravarthy, he did not do too much wrong. Whilst I’m not convinced of the move, you’re still getting a seasoned campaigner. He will certainly bowl with the new ball.” Agarkar said
With India winning 210-2 against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, Ashwin would have a lot to defend.
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