Kapil Dev also spoke on the possibility of Chahal getting chance against England in semi-final.
Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev wasn’t happy with R Ashwin getting the backing of the Indian cricket team in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
Ashwin was picked over Yuzvendra Chahal in all five Super 12 matches, and the off-spinner could pick only six wickets, though he bowled economically. Many, including the former Indian captain, were not happy with his performance as he is not the wicket-taking bowler that T20 cricket demands.
The legendary all-rounder said that Ashwin was able to take wickets in the T20 World Cup 2022 mostly due to the faults of the batters. He also highlighted the "hiding face" incident to slam the cricketer, saying he wasn’t even embarrassed by his own performance in the tournament.
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Kapil Dev said on ABP News: “Until now, Ashwin hasn't given me the confidence. He picked up wickets today but it didn't look as if he got them. In fact, batsmen iss tarah out huye ki unhe khud bhi 1-2 wickets lete huye sharam aa rahi thi (Some of the batsmen got out in a way that Ashwin himself couldn't believe it). He was hiding his face. Picking up wickets obviously gives you that confidence but the Ashwin we know, we haven't seen him show the same rhythm.”
On being asked whether Chahal will get the chance in the final round of the tournament, the legendary cricketer didn’t rule out the possibility of Team India surprising their opponents in Australia.
He signed off by saying, “It depends on the team management. If they have the confidence on Ashwin, it's good. He has played the entire tournament so he can adjust if need be. But if you want to surprise the opposition, they can always turn to the wrist-spinner (Chahal). Whoever wins the confidence of the management and captain, will play.”