Spin legend R Ashwin has publicly questioned India’s team selection for the Manchester Test, arguing that an “obsession” with deeper batting at No. 8 led to the exclusion of key spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
The ‘Batting Obsession’ Debate
R Ashwin didn’t hold back, calling India’s focus on a deeper batting lineup a major misstep. He believes this strategy might be preventing the team from picking its absolute best XI, especially for crucial matches like the Manchester Test against England.
The veteran spinner highlighted a shift in modern Test cricket. He suggests that a few extra runs from a lower-order batter might not be as impactful as a wicket-taking bowler.
Why Kuldeep Yadav Was a ‘No-Brainer’
For Ashwin, benching Kuldeep Yadav throughout the current tour, including the Manchester Test, makes no sense. He strongly felt that once Nitish Kumar Reddy, who played as a batting all-rounder, was out of contention, Kuldeep should have been the automatic choice.
India’s fast bowlers, like Mohammed Siraj, are visibly tired after extended play, and even Jasprit Bumrah’s workload needs careful management. Ashwin emphasized that Kuldeep could have provided much-needed relief and a genuine wicket-taking option.
Missed Opportunity on the Field
On Day 2 in Manchester, England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, dominated, scoring rapidly and significantly reducing India’s lead. Despite scoring 41 runs at number 7, Shardul Thakur, who replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy, bowled only five overs.
Ashwin questioned the utility of picking a player primarily for their batting at No. 8 if their bowling contribution is minimal. He argued that even one or two wickets from a specialist spinner like Kuldeep could have dramatically changed the match’s flow and put pressure on the English batters.
The Changing Game in England
Ashwin believes the days when an extra 20-30 runs from a lower-order batter made a significant difference in England are long gone. Pitches now offer less assistance to bowlers, making wicket-taking options even more crucial. He pointed out that with players like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar already capable with the bat, India could afford to play an attacking bowler.
- R Ashwin criticized India’s team selection for prioritizing batting depth over specialist bowling.
- He argued that Kuldeep Yadav was a “no-brainer” pick for the Manchester Test.
- Ashwin believes India’s “obsession” with a No. 8 batter is outdated in current English conditions.
- He highlighted the need for wicket-taking bowlers, especially with fast bowlers tiring and pitches offering less assistance.
Ashwin’s comments underline a broader debate within cricket strategy: is batting depth always paramount, or should teams prioritize strike power with the ball, especially in crucial Test matches abroad?
