VVS backs selectors on Ashwin exclusion
New Delhi, Sept. 12: Former India batsman VVS Laxman does not see anything unusual in R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja being rested from the upcoming series against Australia as he believes the selection panel has “communicated” to them, its decision to try young spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Ashwin and Jadeja have been officially “rested” by the BCCI from the five-match ODI and three-match Twenty20 series against Australia.
But Ashwin has been playing county cricket which contradicts the selectors’ claims.
“After the Champions Trophy, the selection committee took a policy decision. They wanted to have a look at some of the wrist spinners, which would add variety to the attack,” Laxman said.
“I sincerely believe that Ashwin and Jadeja have been communicated to by the selectors. The selectors must have told both of them that they want to try two wrist spinners, who are very talented.
“They will get to play against a top quality side like Australia. Also, it doesn’t mean that Ashwin or Jadeja have been dropped,” Laxman said.
The Hyderabadi also dismissed the school of thought that Ajinkya Rahane’s ODI career is on the wane given the recent slump in his form.
“Rahane is one of the leaders in the group. It’s just that we have a solid left-right combination in Shikhar (Dhawan) and Rohit (Sharma). But Rahane is certainly there in the mix and will get his opportunities,” he said.
He also praised Virat Kohli’s captaincy, saying it had a streak of ruthlessness in it.
“I know Sri Lanka weren’t the strongest side but winning 9-0 shows that the team was ruthless. Virat really led the side well.”
Laxman also predicted that India would win the upcoming series against Australia 4-1.