Former Indian selector Saba Karim believes Ravichandran Ashwin should play against Sri Lanka in the ongoing Asia Cup. Ashwin hasn’t played in the three matches of the Asia Cup. In the first two matches against Pakistan and Hong Kong, India backed Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja.
Subsequently, India decided to play Ravi Bishnoi in place of Ravindra Jadeja, who is ruled out of a knee injury in the third game against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Ashwin has a plethora of variations under his belt and he can make the most of his experience. Furthermore, Ashwin can add the finishing touches while batting in the lower middle order.
Saba Karim said on India News Sports, “Ravichandran Ashwin should play against Sri Lanka and, unfortunately, Deepak Hooda will have to miss out. They must go back to playing with a combination of five bowlers and Hardik Pandya as the sixth bowling option.”
On the other hand, former Indian all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi reckons the team should bring in Ravichandran Ashwin in place of Ravi Bishnoi as Sri Lanka have a lot of left-handers in their playing XI.
However, Bishnoi had done a decent job against Pakistan as he had scalped the big wicket of Babar Azam and Asif Ali was dropped by Arshdeep Singh on his bowling. Moreover, the leg-spinner only conceded 26 runs in his quota of four overs.
“Ravichandran Ashwin will have to come in for Ravi Bishnoi. Sri Lanka have a number of left-handers in their batting lineup and they have done well in this tournament. To counter that, you will need someone who has experience. India must strengthen their bowling.
“We now know that this bowling can succumb under pressure. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been in top-class form. But when there was pressure, he conceded 19 runs. They will need some experience and I think Ashwin is the only option that we can go to at this stage.”
Meanwhile, India doesn’t have many fast bowling options in the team. Singh reckons Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh’s confidence would have taken a hit after their poor show against Pakistan.
“From where will India bring in another bowler now? Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh’s confidence would have taken a hit after the Pakistan game. It is never easy to bounce back from that very soon, especially when you have to play an important match. India themselves are the ones to be blamed for this situation as they don’t have a plan B”
India will face Sri Lanka on Tuesday in Dubai.
