Ravichandran Ashwin Questions India’s ICC Champions Trophy Squad Composition
As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy begins, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced concerns about the current squad’s structure. With the tournament set to kick off on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, Ashwin highlights significant gaps in the batting lineup.
Lack of Left-Handed Batters
Ashwin points out the absence of left-handed batters in India’s top seven. He shared his analysis on his YouTube channel, indicating that the squad closely resembles the one that participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The likely batting order features right-handed batsmen like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top, followed by Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. This composition raises concerns about the predictability of the batting order against varied bowling attacks.
Batting Order Adjustments
In his analysis, Ashwin suggests potential changes to the batting order. He proposes that if Yashasvi Jaiswal is included, it could lead to Shreyas Iyer being dropped. Additionally, he mentions the possibility of Jaiswal opening with Rohit Sharma, thus allowing Shubman Gill to bat at No. 3. Ashwin also emphasizes the need for a reliable No. 8 batter, as the current structure lacks depth beyond Hardik Pandya at No. 7.
Impact of Dew in Dubai
One of the critical factors Ashwin highlights is the impact of dew in Dubai, where all matches will be held. He questions whether including three spinners would be feasible, suggesting that Washington Sundar could be a valuable asset, particularly in a batting role at No. 8. He also mentions Nitish Kumar Reddy as a potential option, which would allow for a balanced bowling attack.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s insights underscore the importance of addressing these squad composition issues ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. With the right adjustments, India could enhance their chances of success in the tournament.
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