Former Indian spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan felt very sorry for India’s ace off-spinner R Ashwin on being left out of the playing XI in the first two Tests of the ongoing five-match Test series against England.
Ashwin’s non-selection in the first two Test matches against England is one of the most debatable topics among the former cricketers and fans, as the spinner was the highest wicket-taker in the recent WTC 2021 and also bowled well for Surrey in a County game ahead of the England series.
However, the Indian cricket team opted for a combination of four fast bowlers and one spin all-rounder in the first two Tests, considering the English conditions at Trent Bridge and Lord’s and the combination has paid off really well for the tourists so far in the five-match Test series against England.
Well, Sivaramakrishnan felt sorry for Ashwin for being left out of the playing XI in back-to-back Test matches in England and admitted that it is very tough to sit out for the players of his stature, but insisted the senior spinner is taking it in the right way and working accordingly.
Sivaramakrishnan said in a virtual interaction with journalists on Sony Sports Network: “I feel really sorry for Ashwin because being in that position and being left out of the side is a hard thing to digest. But I think he’s taking it pretty well, and also in a way he’s not being played in England and over bowled.”
Many felt Ashwin's performance (6 for 27) in the county fixture should have sealed his spot in the playing XI but the former spinner feels it's unfair to compare county cricket with Test cricket.
The commentator noted, “Getting wickets in Test match cricket is totally different. It’s like Ranji Trophy and Test match cricket if you compare County and Test cricket. And I’m sure Ashwin with his intelligence will understand what he needs to do to get into the team.”
He concluded, “There’s plenty of cricket coming ahead. Even in India, we’re going to be playing a lot of matches. So I think Ashwin would be a definite part of the team once they decide to go in with two spinners.”
