'This team selection for Asia Cup 2023 reminds me Dhoni's captaincy' - Ravichandran Ashwin on India's Asia Cup 2023 squad

Ashwin, Thilak & Dhoni (Source-Twitter)

The Asia Cup 2023 has been marred by controversy as Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his anger and disappointment towards those who have been degrading the Indian players. In a recent interview, Ashwin blamed the "IPL warfare" for the negative attitude towards the national team.

The recent inclusion of two players, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, in the Asia Cup squad has raised eyebrows and invited scrutiny. Ashwin, a prominent cricketer, took it upon himself to shed light on this matter.

Ashwin's outburst comes in response to the criticism faced by Indian players during their performance in the tournament. He believes that this criticism is not only unfair but also degrading to the players who have given their all for their country. According to Ashwin, this negativity stems from rivalries created during the Indian Premier League (IPL), where players from different teams compete against each other.

"Tilak hasn't scored much in this Ireland series so far. But he is showing unreal intent from the first ball. And this youngster is coming to bat with a clear mind. Since he is bringing some freshness into the squad, they have backed him for that backup slot. Similar with Surya," Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel.

"He has that x-factor and that's why the team is backing him to come good in the ODI format as well. We will go back in time to see how we have won World Cups. be it MS Dhoni or any other captain, they have backed their players to come good. Of course, if you want to have a for and against debate for dropping or selecting a player, you can have a healthy debate. We all know how good a player Surya Kumar Yadav has been. His impact, what a match-winner he has been, and he has been our go-to T20 player. I think this is all IPL warfare."

Surya's poor form is a concern to the team in Asia Cup 2023

Tilak Varma, a young talent yet to make his ODI debut, finds himself in the spotlight due to his selection. Critics argue that it may be premature to include him in such a prestigious tournament without any prior international experience. However, supporters believe that exposing him to high-pressure situations will help him grow as a player.

On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav's inclusion has been met with scepticism due to his recent poor form in ODIs. Even Yadav himself acknowledges this fact. It is undeniable that his performances have not lived up to expectations lately. Nevertheless, some argue that giving him another chance might reignite his spark and restore confidence.

Ashwin's discussion about Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav being selected for the Asia Cup squad serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in team selection decisions. While some may question these choices based on lack of experience or poor form, others see them as opportunities for growth and redemption. Ultimately, only time will tell if these selections are proven.