Ravichandran Ashwin Questions India Selection After 1st ODI Win
Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over India’s team selection after Nitish Kumar Reddy was excluded from the playing XI in the first ODI against South Africa. With all-rounder Hardik Pandya unavailable, many expected Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder, to replace him. However, he remained on the bench, prompting Ashwin to voice his criticism.
Ravichandran Ashwin Criticizes Squad Selection
“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.
Acknowledging India’s Aggressive Batting Evolution
Ravichandran Ashwin also highlighted the impact of former captain Rohit Sharma and ex-head coach Rahul Dravid in shaping India’s attacking batting mindset. “Rohit as a captain has always been laying his stamp by showing the team what he wants from it. The transitional batting that India has gone through in T20 cricket and ODI cricket—the way we bat fast—a lot of credit for that goes to Rohit and Rahul bhai,” Ashwin explained.
Strike-Rate Focus and Modern White-Ball Approach
He added, “They showed the way. Rahul bhai said this is how we have to play, and Rohit showed the way, paved the way, and eventually it has changed the way India perceived batting. Batting is not average; it is purely strike rate in white-ball cricket.” This philosophy has guided India’s success in recent ICC events, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup.
Celebrating Remaining Legends in ODI Cricket
With stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now focusing solely on ODI cricket, Ashwin urged fans to appreciate their ongoing contributions. “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,” he said.
The Importance of Enjoying the Moment
Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized the fleeting nature of time in sports: “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.” His comments highlight both a call for fan appreciation and the need for strategic squad planning in India’s white-ball setup.
Implications for India’s ODI Squad
Ravichandran Ashwin’s remarks on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s omission underline the ongoing debates regarding India’s ODI squad composition. The team’s aggressive approach, reliance on experienced all-rounders, and integration of emerging talent like Reddy will likely influence team selection discussions for upcoming series and tournaments.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s insights remind fans and selectors alike about balancing experience, youth, and strategy in India’s evolving ODI cricket landscape
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