Ravichandran Ashwin criticized India’s Champions Trophy squad for lacking left-handed batters in the top seven and questioned some players’ roles, comparing the team selection to the 2023 ODI World Cup lineup.

Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced strong criticism over India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, focusing on the lack of left-handed batters. He highlighted that the team’s composition closely mirrors the 2023 ODI World Cup lineup, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening as right-handed batsmen. Virat Kohli is also part of the top order, followed by Shreyas Iyer at number 4, after his impressive World Cup performance. KL Rahul occupies the next position, while the sixth spot is a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik Pandya is placed at number 7.

Ashwin pointed out the absence of left-handed players in the top seven, adding that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant are the only left-handers outside the playing XI. He also questioned the roles of certain players in the squad, expressing concern over the team’s balance ahead of the ICC event.

“This template mirrors the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there’s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it’s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,” said Ashwin in conversation on ‘Ash Ki Baat’ show.

Ravichandran Ashwin Suggests Possible Changes to India’s Top Order

Ashwin then noted that Jaiswal might only play if an injury occurs. He proposed a possible opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, moving Shubman Gill to number 3, followed by Virat Kohli at 4. This would push either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul to number 5, potentially dropping Shreyas Iyer. While unlikely, Ashwin believes India should utilize Jaiswal’s current form.

“Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5. If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal’s current form,” he added.

Ashwin further criticized the selection of multiple finger spinners, particularly with the dew factor in Dubai. He questioned whether playing three spinners would be effective in such conditions. He suggested that Nitish Reddy could have been included in the squad to provide more balance.

“In the ongoing ILT20, dew is a factor in every match. Will India risk playing three spinners? If Washington bats at No. 8, it weakens the batting. Ideally, he should bat at 8. Does it make sense to have a player like Nitish Reddy in the scheme of things? If Kuldeep plays at 9, it’s two pacers and three spinners. With Nitish, he could bat at 8, allowing Kuldeep at 9 and two fast bowlers. This would provide the luxury of four fast bowlers and two spinners. I don’t know if he was considered, Kuldeep is a lock at No. 9, as the primary spinner. Among the finger spinners, I think one fast bowler could have been accommodated. I’m sure there were discussions,” the former cricketer concluded.