'Ashwin being economical does not fit the bill' - Former India batter expects more out of Ashwin in 20-20 World Cup 2022

Ravichandran Ashwin (Source: Twitter)

India’s road to the semi-finals hit a roadblock when they squared off against South Africa and lost a low-scoring thriller by five wickets. India were poor with the bat in that encounter as South Africa kept the Men in Blue down to just 133 in their 20 overs. The Proteas got the runs in 19.4 overs

The loss to South Africa points out fingers at the selection of the Indian Team. Deepak Hooda was drafted in place of Axar Patel but Hooda did not click with the bat and did not have any role to play with the ball. On a pitch where there was no assistance to the spinners, Ashwin went for 43 runs in his four-over spell.

Wasim Jaffer spoke about the loss against South Africa saying Ravichandran Ashwin needs to come to the party and contribute to the team’s cause by picking wickets in the middle phase to put pressure on the opposition.

“Maybe Yuzvendra Chahal can play, you never know. It’s a small boundary at the Adelaide Oval and there are multiple left-handed batters in the Bangladesh team. Both of their openers are left-handers and Afif Hossain too is a left-handed batter. So maybe, Ashwin is needed there but Ashwin needs to come good as a bowler,” Jaffer was quoted as saying by CricTracker.

Ashwin can contribute with the bat as well- Wasim Jaffer

“He’s economical but I think India probably wants him to pick wickets in the middle overs. It’s important you know, being economical sometimes is not good, it just drags the match. India need wickets in the middle, so if Ashwin plays, I think he needs to pick up wickets,” he added.

The absence of Ravindra Jadeja has made the Indian batting lineup look less potent as they do not have a left-hander in the middle order who can score vital runs at the death. Jaffer reckons that Ashwin needs to step up with the bat as well.

“Ashwin’s batting may help India in the lower order. He can contribute with the bat at number seven or eight. Post Ashwin, there’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well. So, there’s a comfort factor for the batters as well as they will be confident that the tailenders won’t directly come into the picture after number six,” said Jaffer