New Delhi, Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the Indian workforce administration’s resolution to nominate Shubman Gill as vice-captain for the Champions Trophy as a “forward-thinking move”, saying the top-order batter’s place within the aspect is kind of settled and he could be groomed as a future chief.
HT Picture
Off-spinner Ashwin, who retired through the current Australia tour, appeared to counsel that there have been no loads of choices out there for the job.
“Think about who else in the current squad could be considered for the vice-captain role. I’m not saying whether the decision to make Shubman Gill vice-captain was right or wrong, but the point raised is valid, especially since he was the vice-captain in the last series as well,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel on Sunday.
“I could be mistaken, but I believe he’s also had some vice-captaincy experience in Test cricket. This could be a forward-thinking move, as the management might be considering who could take on the leadership role in the future.”
While Gill is the ODI vice-captain, Axar Patel has been handed the role in T20Is.
“Whereas each Pant and Rahul may play collectively, they’ve handed the vice-captaincy to the participant whose spot within the XI is already safe. If Shubman Gill is groomed to guide sooner or later, he can depend on the steering of senior gamers like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah,” he stated.
The celebrated ICC occasion is scheduled to begin from February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, and Ashwin raised considerations in regards to the paucity of left-handers within the high seven aside from the absence of a dependable No. 8 in India’s batting order.
“This squad mirrors the 2023 ODI World Cup,” Ashwin stated.
“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 is a alternative between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters within the high seven. Exterior the XI, we have now Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant.”
Left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was one of the bright spots in the Australia Test series, was also included in the squad.
Weighing the permutations and combinations in which Jaiswal may get his ODI debut, Ashwin said: “Jaiswal may solely play if somebody will get injured. He may have an opportunity in opposition to England. However 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 capitalise on Jaiswal’s current form,” he stated.
All-rounder Washington Sundar is one other participant who may have an effect if he finds a spot within the enjoying XI.
Reflecting on the state of affairs, Ashwin stated: “Another scenario involves Washington Sundar. Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater.”
“If you follow the World Cup format, you play either Jaddu or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik’s all-round skills,” he added.
India will play all their matches in Dubai, and Ashwin feels dew may very well be an element there, affecting the workforce mixture.
“Ideally, Washington 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 may bat at 8, permitting Kuldeep at 9 and two quick bowlers. This would offer the posh of 4 quick bowlers and two spinners. I do not know if he was thought-about.
“Washington Sundar at 8 might not be feasible if dew is a major factor. In that case, Kuldeep Yadav would bat at 8, and the team would likely go with all seamers – Arshdeep, Bumrah, and Shami.
“Within the 2023 World Cup, we lacked batting depth from No. 8 onwards. These are the essential questions that must be addressed.”