Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman is baffled by the Virat Kohli-led Indian team’s decision to leave out the experienced R Ashwin for the second Test in a row against England.
Ashwin hadn't featured in the first drawn Test at Trent Bridge and on Thursday, August 12, and was not picked for the ongoing second Test at Lord’s. Team India decided to bring a fit-again Ishant Sharma in place of injured Shardul Thakur for the second Test
Reacting to Ashwin’s continued snub from India’s playing XI, Laxman said he could not understand why Kohli isn’t giving the star spinner opportunity despite knowing that his inclusion adds variety to India’s bowling attack and his experience would have been very handy against England.
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Laxman told ESPNCricinfo: “Ishant Sharma walks into the XI when he is 100 percent fit, but that should have been in place of Mohammed Siraj. I can't comprehend what changed from the all-important World Test Championship final where Ravichandran Ashwin was your go-to first-choice spinner. And in a matter of a month, he can't even find a place in the XI.”
He continued, “I always believe, four fast bowlers are a luxury irrespective of the conditions you are playing in. India has got three quality fast bowlers, whether one of them is Siraj or Ishant, it doesn’t matter. Both of them have got the ability to bowl long spells.”
The legendary batsman feels he doesn’t see Ashwin playing in the ongoing five-match Test series if Kohli continues with the same team template in England.
He said, “Ashwin adds variety to that bowling attack and he’s got an abundance of experience. I’m not able to comprehend the reasoning behind this decision but I think it’s pretty clear after listening to Kohli in the press conferences in Nottingham and also here that he wants to continue with this template.”
Laxman signed off by saying, “I think Ashwin will have to wait. Yes, it’s overcast now but it’s not going to remain the same in all five days. So if Ashwin is not playing in these conditions, I don’t see him getting into the XI as I don’t believe Kohli will change this template soon.”
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)
