Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim is confident that the new Rahul Dravid-led team management will inform star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin of their plans. If he is to be left out of the playing XI for the next Test series against South Africa.
Karim stated on his YouTube channel Khelneeti that convincing a player like Ashwin that he will be dropped was difficult. When dealing with a seasoned campaigner, he proposed that a different approach be taken.
“I’m sure the previous team management would also have tried their best to explain to Ravichandran Ashwin the reason for not picking him for the team’s overseas matches. But it is very difficult to convince Ashwin. A different kind of communication is needed to convince him. I’m confident that his management will surely communicate well if such decisions need to be taken yet again.” Saba Karim said
Given his recent form, Karim believes it will be difficult to drop the off-spinner against South Africa. Notably, in the home series against New Zealand, Ashwin took 14 wickets and was chosen player of the series.
“Both performance and conditions matter a lot and you ought to play an in-fom player. Ashwin is your premier spinner and it will be tough to drop him in South Africa.” he said
Virat Kohli
With consistent performances over the years, the deft spinner has established himself as an essential part in India’s red-ball line-up. This is why, during Virat Kohli and Co.’s tour of England earlier this year, many people questioned his non-selection.
Karim mentioned that Ashwin has emerged as a matchwinner, particularly at home. This is why, when India is hosting, he is a foregone conclusion. He added, however, that this was not the case for international jobs.
When India tours abroad, the cricketer-turned-commentator believes they should use five bowlers. According to Karim, Ravindra Jadeja gets the nod over Ashwin for the spinner’s berth because of his batting skills.
“When go out overseas in seaming conditions, then India’s template is to play with 5 bowlers with 4 seamers and 1 spinner. They need a good all-rounder at number 7, as they are playing with just 6 genuine batters. This is why Jadeja is prefer in overseas conditions. But I believe you need bowlers who can get you breakthroughs, which is why I feel Ashwin should get a chance in South Africa as well,” said Karim.
According to the recently announced schedule, India and South Africa will play three Test matches and as many ODIs. Their four-match T20I series, which initially scheduled as part of the tour, will now take place at a later date. From December 26 to 30, the first Test will be held at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Read more: Cricket News: Aakash Chopra says “R Ashwin is expected to play, but Jadeja is a possibility”
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