New Delhi: Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised questions about the team management’s strategy. According to Ashwin, if India aims to win the T20 World Cup, the management must move beyond the IPL-style approach of frequent changes in the playing XI.
Ashwin expressed his surprise over the decision to bench vice-captain Axar Patel during the match against South Africa national cricket team. He stated that such experimentation may work in the IPL, but it is not suitable for a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup.
He explained that frequent changes are common in the IPL because teams play as many as 14 matches in the league stage. However, in ICC tournaments, consistency is crucial, and minimizing alterations in the playing combination helps maintain stability and build momentum.
Ashwin also emphasized that Axar’s contributions in the previous World Cup should not be overlooked. He reminded fans of Axar’s remarkable performance under pressure, where he played a match-winning knock to guide India to victory. In the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa, Axar scored 47 runs off 31 balls, including one four and four sixes. His innings played a key role in helping India post a competitive total.
In contrast, this time Washington Sundar, who replaced Axar in the lineup, failed to make an impact with either the bat or the ball.
