“Ravichandran Ashwin Would Have Never Been In The Scene If Axar Patel Hadn’t Been Injured”, Says Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the squad for the upcoming ODI series. Mohammad Kaif emphasized that Ravichandran Ashwin wouldn’t have been picked had Axar Patel not been injured.

Speaking to Star Sports on their YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif highlighted that Ravichandran Ashwin could be preferred over Washington Sundar, considering his experience and impressive wicket tally across formats in international cricket.

“If Axar hadn’t been injured then we wouldn’t have seen this move and Ashwin would have never been in the scene. Now Axar has suffered a strain injury and that takes time to recover from,” Kaif told star Sports.

“No matter what they say that he will be back in a week’s time but such injuries take at least 2-3 weeks to recover from. That is why they went for the experience in Ashwin. And remember, there is no comparison between Ashwin and Sundar. He has 900 wickets (712) across formats!” he added.

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Ashwin was not included in India’s squad for the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. However, the 37-year-old earned a place in the squad after left-arm spinner Axar Patel was ruled out of the first two games against Australia due to a left quadriceps strain.

During the same discussion, Irfan Pathan criticized the decision to recall Ravichandran Ashwin after almost two years. Pathan emphasized that Ashwin is under immense pressure as he hasn’t played in the 50-over format for a long time.

“You get a better spinner than Ashwin in the entire world. But in a tournament as big as the World Cup, where there is immense pressure, you can’t expect a senior player to walk in and play for the team in a format which he hasn’t played for a long time and prove his worth. So you are leaving it entirely to fate,” Irfan Pathan said.

“There is no planning here. Had there been a plan for Ashwin, they should have given him some game time before the World Cup. Yes he will be playing against Australia, but is that enough? You have to bowl for 10 overs, and adjust in the team as well and give India that result. It isn’t that easy. Planning should have been better,” he said.