In a candid conversation with the Times of India, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh expressed his reservations about Ravichandran Ashwin‘s inclusion in India’s limited-overs sides. While acknowledging Ashwin’s brilliance as a red-ball cricketer, Yuvraj questioned the veteran spinner’s suitability for the faster-paced white-ball formats.
Yuvraj’s Take on Ashwin’s Limited-Overs Role
Yuvraj Singh, who played alongside Ashwin in the victorious 2011 ODI World Cup squad, was quick to praise Ashwin’s abilities in Test cricket. However, he pointed out the deficiencies that, according to him, make Ashwin less deserving of a spot in India’s T20I and ODI teams.
“Ashwin is a great bowler but I don’t think he deserves a place in ODIs and T20s. He is very good with the ball, but what does he bring with the bat? Or as a fielder? In the Test team, yes, he should be there. But in white-ball cricket, I don’t think he deserves a place,” Yuvraj remarked.
The former India all-rounder’s comments shed light on the evolving dynamics of cricket, where players are expected to contribute not just with specialized skills but also in other facets of the game. Yuvraj emphasized the need for players in white-ball cricket to bring value with the bat and in the field, alongside their primary roles.
Fond Reminiscence of Yuvraj and Ashwin’s Bond
Yuvraj and Ashwin share a history of camaraderie, having been part of the iconic 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team. Ashwin, in one of his YouTube videos, had previously expressed his admiration for Yuvraj’s resilience during a challenging period, revealing the shock he felt upon learning about Yuvraj’s battle with cancer.
“When it broke out (the news of Yuvraj having cancer), I was shocked because I did not expect somebody who had just become Player of the series, in fact like I would say, ‘Bharat ka Icon.’ That literally was it,” Ashwin had stated, recalling the profound impact Yuvraj had on India’s World Cup triumph.
As the debate surrounding Ashwin’s role in limited-overs cricket continues, cricket enthusiasts reflect on the balance between red-ball prowess and the specific demands of white-ball formats in the context of team composition and strategy.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram