On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the 15 players who would represent India in the Asia Cup in 2022. Fans of Indian cricket had reason to celebrate when former India captain Virat Kohli and India opener KL Rahul made their comebacks, but there was also a feeling of dissatisfaction when Jasprit Bumrah was unable to participate because of an injury. However, the decision to include Ravichandran Ashwin in the team was called into doubt by Kiran More, who had previously served as head of the selection committee.
Kohli was taken out of India’s most recent series against the West Indies so that he could concentrate on his form. Additionally, his name was left off the team that will face Zimbabwe later this month. On the other hand, Rahul made a full recovery from a groin injury after the conclusion of the IPL 2022. This was followed by Rahul making a full recovery from the COVID-19 virus.
After India’s squad was announced, Kiran More gave his thoughts on the matter to Star Sports and revealed that India could have gone with an additional seamer in the form of Mohammed Shami, or the selectors could have chosen Axar Patel as the all-rounder spin option instead of Ashwin.
Ravi Ashwin in this T20I Series against West Indies:-
4-0-22-2 & 13*(10).
4-0-32-1 & 10(6).— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) August 1, 2022
What did Kiran More say about Ravichandran Ashwin?
“You took me by surprise. How could Ashwin possibly join this squad in the first place? And each and every time, even in the most recent World Cup, he was selected for the squad but did not end up playing at all. Take a look at his record in the IPL, it is not all that impressive. It seems to me that either Shami or Axar Patel should have been cast in that position. And Axar has delivered an outstanding performance. Shami is my player, and he will be participating in the World Cup. I’m looking for bowlers who can take wickets. I’ve seen Shami take wickets with the new ball, with the middle overs, and even with the slog overs,” remarked More.
Ravi Ashwin is not rated highly as a T20I bowler but his numbers sometimes appear world class.
Since 2021 his economy rate in T20I's is just 5.74.
Economy rate in IPL in the same period is 7.47 which is again very good— Rohan 🏏 (@Rohantweetss) August 2, 2022
Ravi Bishnoi and Yuzvendra Chahal are the team’s two spinners, while Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin, and Deepak Hooda are their three spin-bowling all-rounders. Together, these five make up the team’s spin-bowling attack.
Although Kiran More acknowledged that he was taken aback when he saw Ashwin’s name on the roster, he was quick to congratulate young Bishnoi on his promotion to the squad and did not voice any opposition to the team’s decision to include additional spinners.
