New Delhi: Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra had some really harsh words to say after Indian’s cricket team’s shambolic outing in the recently-concluded India’s tour of South Africa.
The cricket expert criticized veteran India off-spinner R Ashwin, who returned back to the ODI squad after a huge gap of five years.
R Ashwin damaged to secure a spot in India’s playing XI for ODIs against South Africa in absence of Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin, however, failed to create any impact as in the ODI series opener he bagged a single wicket after giving away 53 runs. Then in the 2nd ODI, he gave away 68 runs in his 10-over spell and returned without any wicket.
After losing the series 2-0, India made four changes in their XI for the series finale and Ashwin was rested but that didn’t stop Proteas from attaining a series whitewash over Men in Blue.
Calling Ashwin’s comeback in India’s ODI team strange, Manjrekar said R Ashwin’s place hurt India and also lashed out at Yuzvendra Chahal, who bagged just two wickets in three ODIs at an average of 73.50.
“Ashwin strangely came back into India’s ODI plans for some reason. India paid a price for that. He played the two crucial games, did nothing much. (Yuzvendra) Chahal also under the scanner. Prasidh Krishna needs to be backed a bit more. Also, in 50-overs, Mohammed Shami can be a good option,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.
Manjrekar lauded Deepak Chahar for his all-round performance and said the Indian team management should give him preference over Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“Bowling wise, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had given signs even before this series that he is finding it difficult to get back to his best. I guess that issue is closed after seeing his performance in the series. And Deepak Chahar, the one ball to get Janneman Malan, should tell selectors that he is a better option,” he said.
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