Ravichandran Ashwin questions India’s selection, says he is worried for Sai Sudharsan

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin questioned India’s selection after the hosts suffered a 30-run loss against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday. Ashwin said he is worried for Sai Sudharsan after the left-hander was dropped from the playing XI.

India played with four spinners, and Washington Sundar batted at one drop after Sudharsan was left out. Sundar, who bowled a solitary over throughout the match, returned with scores of 29 and 31 on a difficult pitch.

Meanwhile, Sudharsan had scored a decent knock of 87 runs in the second Test match against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

“I’m really worried for Sai Sudharsan, he is a good player. What would he be thinking after being dropped? I always feel that four spinners is too many to have in a team. Washington Sundar did not even bowl in the second innings. You play four spinners, then you don’t give a single over to one of them. These are all going to play into the confidence of the players,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“I know that in a T20I you tend to go with all-rounders, but specialists will work in Tests. In many ways, to create a lot of stability without insecurity, and giving people the roles are extremely crucial. These are crucial WTC Points, India were looking prime to be in the final, because even Gill said at the toss that he will win one directly in the final. But we have to reach there first, and this match is a huge blow for that,” he added.

Ashwin said Sundar has the ability to succeed at number three but wondered if it is the right decision to promote the left-handed batter.

“He (Sundar) has the ability. But whether it is the right decision, only time can answer. We can speak about it, and dissect it after a loss, but we have to give him time. I really think Sai Sudharsan has a good future. If we are to build the team around a No.3, you need a No.3 for that. See the batters that have played at No.3, and there is stability required. If you are taking the Washington Sundar route, I hope you stick with Washi for a few years. The decision for the No.3 batter cannot be fleeting, depending on the conditions,” Ashwin elaborated.

India and South Africa will take on each other in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, from Saturday onwards.