“How many all-rounders do you need?” - Ravi Ashwin slams Indian team management for poor team selection in Perth

Former Indian off-spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin has suggested that Team India include Kuldeep Yadav, as he would be doing well on the Australian grounds. Notably, the second ODI will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 23.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that India didn’t get things right when it came to selecting their bowling combination in Perth. Unfortunately, India suffered a seven-wicket defeat to start the three-match series on a worrying note. 

“I can understand why they're playing two spinners in the game along with Nitish Reddy, they want the batting depth because both Washington and Axar can bat. But man, at least give some attention to the bowling too. On these big grounds, if Kuldeep can't bowl with a lot of freedom, where will he bowl then? And there's going to be over spin which will help him get bounce as well,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“They will talk about this batting depth. But if you want to build your game around batting depth, then the batters have to take responsibility, right? It's the job of the batters to score the runs. If you're playing an extra batter, it's again about shielding the batters. Play your best bowlers I'll always say this play your best bowlers. Don't pick a team just to extend your batting,” he added.

Furthermore, Ashwin questioned India’s tactic to play three all-rounders in Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar in the playing XI. 

“How many all-rounders do you need? You already have three all-rounders. There was a time when there were no all-rounders. You've got Washington, you've got Axar, and you've got Nitish. With all this, if you still can't play your best spinner, I don't get it at all,” he said.

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