Delhi: Indian cricket team’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin discussed some weaknesses of the team before the Champions Trophy. He said that there are two big questions before the team – “Lack of left-handed batsmen in the team and who will be the number 8 player?”
Washington Sundar and batting balance
Ashwin said that coach Gautam Gambhir has great faith in Washington Sundar’s batting. Sundar can be used as a floater. He said, “Another possibility is related to Washington Sundar. I am not biased, but Gautam Gambhir gives a lot of importance to Washington because of his batting. “They can also be used as floaters.”
“If you follow the World Cup format, you play Jadeja or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7 and Washington at 8. “This allows playing with three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two fast bowlers, which maintains a balance with Hardik’s all-round skills.”
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s option
Ashwin talked about including Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team. According to him, by playing Reddy at number 8 and Kuldeep Yadav at number 9, the team can get the option of four fast bowlers and two spinners. He said, “If Washington bats at number 8, it weakens the batting. Ideally, he should bat at number 8.”
The veteran spinner said, “Is it wise to include a player like Nitish Reddy in the team? If Kuldeep plays at number 9, there will be two fast bowlers and three spinners. With Nitish, he can bat at number 8, which will allow Kuldeep to play at number 9 and two fast bowlers. This will give an opportunity to play four fast bowlers and two spinners. I don’t know whether his name was considered or not.”
The former spinner said that in the World Cup, the team felt the lack of depth in batting below number 8. This problem should be solved for the Champions Trophy.
