Everyone was happy when India defeated UAE in the Asia Cup, but a big uproar has erupted before the Pakistan match. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lashed out at Team India’s T20 selection.
The reason is keeping fast bowler Arshdeep Singh out of the playing eleven.
Ashwin openly said on his YouTube channel that these decisions are wrong and bowlers should not be ignored.
Ashwin directly questioned the team management. He said that keeping a talented bowler like Arshdeep out just because the team wants an extra batting option is injustice. Arshdeep has taken 99 wickets in T20, did wonders for Punjab Kings in IPL too – 21 wickets in 17 matches! Still he is being made to sit on the bench.
Ashwin said, “Arshdeep deserves to play in the playing XI. If you can have Shubman Gill opening, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, and Jasprit Bumrah at No. 11, why can’t you have the best T20 bowler in the side? These decisions have always bothered me.”
Bowlers’ pain: Mental stress is increasing
Ashwin also talked about the impact on the minds of bowlers. He said that many times such decisions are taken by batsmen who never bowl. Bowlers work hard for years, but their confidence drops by sitting out.
Ashwin further said, “Many of these decisions are made by batters who have never bowled a ball in their life. Bowlers have spent years honing their craft, yet when they are consistently sidelined, their confidence takes a hit.”
He also advised the bowlers to understand their value and not keep quiet.
“If a player has talent, he deserves to play. Sitting out just because he isn’t a batter is not fair. In T20 cricket, a strong four-over spell can decide the match. Bowlers must be proud of their craft and not accept being sidelined quietly,”
Ashwin stressed. Arshdeep is in peak form right now, he was the top wicket-taker in the IPL, but the team is giving preference to all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dubey.
