The Indian team will start the five-match T20I series against South Africa from the June 9th. The selectors had announced the Indian squad for the series long back and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was not found in it.
Recently, former Indian player Mohammad Kaif said that he is disappointed with Ashwin being not selected. Talking to Sportskeeda, Kaif said that Ashwin’s recent performance was good and his inclusion would have improved the balance of the team as he can contribute with both the ball and the bat.
“It was disappointing to see Ravichandran Ashwin not being picked. He was in the side for the T20 World Cup last year and even his current form is very good. India could have accommodated Ashwin by leaving one leg spinner out,” said the veteran batsman.
The former player believes that the off-spinner has done well since his selection in the T20 World Cup 2021. He suggested that instead of choosing three leg-spinners in the squad, Ashwin could have been picked.
Kaif said that Ravichandran Ashwin not being picked was disappointing as he was in the squad for the T20 World Cup last year and even his current form is quite good. He suggested that India could have replaced Ashwin for one leg-spinner. He also mentioned that Ashwin can bowl with the new ball in the first six overs and is in good form with the bat as well.
Ashwin had shown a great all-round game in the recently concluded IPL 2022. In 17 matches, he took 12 wickets and contributed 191 runs with the bat.
India has selected many youngsters in its team for the series, while South Africa has selected its strong team. Kaif believes that the young players can present a claim for the T20 World Cup 2022 by doing well against a strong South African team. Kaif added that the youngsters of India will have a point to prove as they are facing a formidable South African team.
Many players from South Africa team were part of IPL 2022 and are in good touch as they have played a lot of matches. Kaif added that it is a great opportunity to see how the youngsters perform under pressure against a strong teama and believes that the five matches will help the selectors in assessing the players ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022.
