Ravichandran Ashwin Criticizes India's First ODI Team Selection Against Australia: "Don't Get It"

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voiced strong criticism of the Indian team management following the controversial decision to drop Kuldeep Yadav for the first ODI against Australia in Perth. Ashwin expressed his bafflement over the omission, emphasizing the left-arm wrist-spinner's crucial role, especially on big grounds like Perth where his bowling style could have been an attacking asset.

Ashwin’s Take on Team Selection

In his popular YouTube channel, Ashwin explained why he felt the team’s strategy was flawed. "I can understand why they’re playing two spinners in the game along with Nitish Reddy, they want the batting depth because Washington Sundar and Axar Patel can bat. But 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 the overspin can help him get bounce as well," Ashwin said.

He highlighted that while having batting depth is valid, the responsibility to score runs lies with the batters, not in loading the lineup with extra batsmen as a “shield.” Ashwin emphasized the importance of playing the best bowlers to achieve victories, stating bluntly, "Play your best bowlers. Don't pick a team just to extend your batting."

Questioning the All-Rounder Overload

Ashwin also critiqued the inclusion of three all-rounders (Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy) in the playing XI. He pointed out that India already had plenty of all-rounders and questioned why Kuldeep, a specialist spinner capable of taking wickets, was sidelined.

“How many all-rounders do you need? You already have three. With all this, if you still can't play your best spinner, I don't get it at all,” Ashwin remarked, underscoring his frustration with the selection choices.

Match Context and Impact

India’s recorded the lowest score of 136/9 in a rain-reduced 26-over encounter, succumbing to Australia’s seven-wicket win. The lack of penetration in the bowling attack was notable, and critics like Ashwin feel the inclusion of Kuldeep could have brought about greater attacking options and possibly altered the outcome.

Kuldeep Yadav boasts an impressive record, especially in Australian conditions, where he has extracted bounce and turn to trouble batsmen. His 181 wickets in 113 ODIs further validates his wicket-taking capabilities—a weapon India missed against Australia's potent batting lineup.

Ashwin on Rohit and Kohli’s Return

While criticizing the choice of players, Ashwin remains optimistic about India's future performances with the expected returns of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to form. Both struggled in the Perth ODI, but Ashwin believes increased playing time and practice will see them regaining their peak.

"India is a very, very good team. India won the Champions Trophy about four to five months ago. Don't be surprised if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score big in the next two games," Ashwin said.

Conclusion

Ashwin’s candid remarks highlight a growing debate around India’s team selection strategy, especially balancing batting depth with bowling effectiveness. His call for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the next ODI sends a clear signal to captain Shubman Gill and coaching staff Gautam Gambhir that attacking spin and bowling variety should take precedence when forming a winning combination.

With two more ODIs against Australia looming at Adelaide and Sydney, India’s team management will be under pressure to reassess and potentially heed the advice of experienced former players like Ashwin to strengthen their chances of bouncing back.