Ravichandran Ashwin questions India’s selection move despite victory in 1st ODI vs South Africa

Ravichandran Ashwin raises concerns over India’s team selection after the 1st ODI vs South Africa, questioning the logic behind leaving out a key all-round option.

Ravichandran Ashwin/ pic credit: @CSK

India may have begun the ODI series against South Africa with a convincing win, but Ravichandran Ashwin believes the scoreboard should not hide deeper concerns. The veteran off-spinner expressed dissatisfaction with one specific selection call, suggesting that the team management missed an opportunity to strengthen the side’s balance.

According to him, the absence of Hardik Pandya should have naturally opened the door for another seam-bowling all-rounder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, but he wasn't included in the playing XI. Ashwin questioned the logic, wondering why a player picked in the squad as a like-for-like option wasn’t trusted to fill the role when the situation demanded it. He implied that this inconsistency sends the wrong message to upcoming multi-skill players who are striving to find their place.

"If we are not able to find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in a team that does not have Hardik Pandya, then there is something wrong in the squad selection, seriously. Why was he picked? Because the fact is that he can give what Hardik can give, and can get better over a period of time. But if we can't find a place for Nitish Kumar Reddy in this particular XI, then the squad selection must be properly reviewed," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Oh, what a player he was: Ravichandran Ashwin

The former India spinner also stressed on enjoying Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's batting in the ODIs since the cricketers might take retirement soon. As per Ashwin, fans should watch and enjoy every match and celebrate the innings.

"I will say one thing: however much time we have to watch and enjoy Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bat, please let's do it because once they are done, we could hear talks like 'Oh, what a player he was! Please bring him back.' That doesn't cut ice for me," Ashwin said.

"For however long they play, let us celebrate them as long as they are playing. As I said, life moves on very fast. Time does not wait for anyone. It is very important that we realise that the time is less. So it is better that we enjoy whatever they are doing." he added.

How to watch India vs South Africa, ODI series?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa, ODI series from November 30 on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Read Also: India vs South Africa ODIs: When and where to watch in India? How to watch Rohit-Kohli in action?

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