R Ashwin has a habit of bowling with new variations in the shortest format of the game. The seasoned off-spinner was a part of the squad for the 2021 World Cup and also bowled well for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022.
But it remains to be seen if he will play in Australia. With Yuzvendra Chahal winning the Purple Cap in the cash-rich league, he would be the team’s first choice as a spinner. He also took six wickets in four games against South Africa.
Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has identified Chahal as a certain pick for the global tournament. He also backed Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel.
“India have good pacers, but teams like Pakistan and South Africa have the same firepower. India start winning when spinners perform well. Chahal, Bishnoi and Axar are in the picture, while Ravindra Jadeja might come in too. I want to see Kuldeep Yadav once he is fit. The selectors have moved away from R Ashwin, Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakravarthy,” Manjrekar told Hindustan Times in a virtual interaction organized by Sony Sports.
“Chahal’s place is confirmed. Kuldeep was impressive in IPL 2022, while Axar is also good. Finalizing three spinners is the top priority of the management,” he added.
According to Manjrekar, Avesh Khan is slightly ahead of Harshal Patel, considering conditions in Australia.