India vs WI: "Where Else Will He Bat?": Ravichandran Ashwin Defends Axar Patel Being Sent At No.4

02.08.2023 - 15:55 sports.ndtv.com

The Indian team successfully completed their experimentation process in the West Indies ODI series, as a XI devoid of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, defeated the Shai Hope-led side by 200 runs to complete a 2-1 series win.

However, the team received much criticism after their loss in the second ODI, where Kohli and Rohit were rested too. Several experts felt it was unnecessary with the ODI World Cup starting in October.

There were also question marks being raised on the batting order with Axar Patel coming ahead of established batters like Suryakumar Yadav in the matches.

India star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had defended the decision. "Some of them asked why Axar Patel batted at No. 4. Where else will he bat?

cricket India Cricket Team West Indies Cricket Team 2023 West Indies vs India Ravichandran Ashwin India

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has often been subjected to unfair criticism for running out batters at non-striker's end for backing up too far, reignited the debate on the mode of dismissal. On Monday, Ashwin posted a video on social media in which a bowler run outs the batter at non-striker's end -- a dismissal that is still a matter of debate despite it not coming under cricket's 'unfair play' anymore. "Winning dismissal," wrote Ashwin on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a laughing emoji. "More awareness and mindfulness required towards the closing stages of a game," he added.

Sanju Samson "Being Wasted" At No. 6 In T20Is: Ravichandran Ashwin Opens Up On This 'Debate'

Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson to bat at no. 3 in the ongoing T20I series against Ireland. Samson, who has been synonymous with no. 3 while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been asked to bat lower down the order for India. However, with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan rested for the Ireland tour, Samson might get the chance to bat in his preferred position.

Asia Cup 2023: Doors Shut For Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal To Make India ODI Return? Rohit Sharma's Big Reply

The Indian cricket team squad for Asia Cup 2023 was announced on Monday and a big exclusion was veteran spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. Instead, the selectors went for the left-arm trio of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. During the press conference following the team selection meeting, skipper Rohit Sharma and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar opened up about the reasons behind the team selection and what it can mean for the future when it comes to the ones who were not picked. "Axar Patel has done really well. He can bat too. Kuldeep Yadav has had a fantastic run to this point. So someone had to miss out. Kuldeep is currently a little ahead of him (Chahal), said Agarkar in the conference.

India vs Ireland: Ravichandran Ashwin Is Blunt As Ever, Doubts "There Would Be A Fight"

India's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin came out with a blunt take while talking about the side's ongoing three-match T20I series against Ireland in Dublin. The series kicked off on Friday with Jasprit Bumrah, who made a return to international cricket after an 11-month injury lay-off, leading the Indian side to a two-run victory via DLS method after rain came strong and forced the match to be called off. While referring to the two-match T20I contest between India and Ireland from 2022, Ashwin said that he doubts the Paul Stirling-led side would be able to give a fight to India.

India vs Ireland: Ravichandran Ashwin Is Blunt As Ever, Doubts "There Would Be A Fight"

"Foolish Of Me To...": Ravichandran Ashwin On Frequent Drops From Away Tests

One of India's biggest match-winners, Ravichandran Ashwin, has been at the center of a cucious playing XI selection case when it comes to away Test matches. Despite being a capable batter, other than being a world-class bowler, Ashwin finds himself second in the pecking order, behind Ravindra Jadeja, whenever it comes to Test matches in SENA countries. It was the same case in the World Test Championship final against Australia. While Ashwin had prepared himself to play the title decider in England, it was Jadeja who was preferred for the sole spinner's spot. When asked about his frequent absenteeism in such games, Ashwin said that he is not keen to find out an answer as the selection isn't something that is in his hands.