R Ashwin Breaks Down India's Champions Trophy Squad-Questions and Changes Needed

Indian cricket team will soon begin its journey for the Champions Trophy. In his sharp views, ace spinner R Ashwin questioned some key aspects of the lineup and some tactical changes needed by the Indian cricket team. Ashwin has brought out some very interesting insights into the composition of the team, particularly with regard to batting order, balance of the team, and players who could make a difference in different situations as India are about to face their first match against Bangladesh.

Among the top questions Ashwin inquired was that of India's left-handed batters. "Where are your left-handed batters and who is your No. 8?" he asked, signaling two key areas of worry that could affect India in a tournament. He drew a parallel between the present team and the side with which India had come into the 2023 ODI World Cup, which showed the same pattern whereby the top seven batters happened to be right-handed.

As per Ashwin's analysis, the opening pair consists of right-handed batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, followed by right-handed Virat Kohli, and then Shreyas Iyer at No. 4. Iyer's position at 4 seems almost certain as he has been in good form lately. Then, there is KL Rahul as a No. 5, and Nos. 6 and 7 are going to be all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. While these appear to be firmly in place, Ashwin had pointed out how India is deprived of having a single left-hander in the top seven overs where it may come vulnerable on occasions.

The other two players who are likely to wait in the queue are Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant. Ashwin said that he feels Yashasvi Jaiswal does have the talent, but then it depends if there is some injury, as of now he isn't going to play. He said that if Jaiswal gets a game, then he may open with Rohit Sharma, send Shubman Gill to No. 3 and Virat Kohli to No. 4. This may then push Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul to No. 5, but Ashwin feels that by doing so he may have to drop Shreyas Iyer, which would be an improbable but necessary call to cash in on Jaiswal's fine form.

The other interesting angle that Ashwin explored was regarding the role of Washington Sundar. The batsman does not arrive as an attacking performer with the bat, but all-round skill and particularly excellent batting skills have seen Gautam Gambhir give him significant playing time in the squad. Ashwin felt Sundar can be accommodated in the playing XI as a floater possibly down at No. 8 as it would better balance the resources of the team. This will help include three fast bowlers or Kuldeep Yadav and two pacers, which will add much-needed depth in the seam department.

Ashwin, however raised concerns regarding the conditions at Dubai, where all of India's matches are scheduled to be played. The impact dew will have on the ball will probably be of prime importance and may even influence India's decision to play more seamers than spinners. He further added that India would face problems playing three finger spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar if dew comes into play. Ashwin suggested that India might have let a trick slip away if it had taken a chance with Nitish Kumar Reddy. With Reddy, it could well be that it will have an extra batting position for him, where he could bat at No. 8 and Kuldeep Yadav bat at No. 9, making the team indulge in four fast bowlers and just two spinners.

As Ashwin was weighing up India's probable playing XI for the championship, he guessed that the template for the 2023 World Cup was likely to go on. He did not expect major changes, and the template could look something like this: Rohit and Shubman opening the innings, Virat Kohli at No. 3, Shreyas Iyer at No. 4, either KL Rahul or Pant at No. 5, with Rahul more likely to get the nod. Jadeja or Axar would be No. 6 and then obviously Hardik Pandya remains at No. 7. Washington Sundar at No. 8 may prove a bit tricky if the dew factor comes into the equation. Then he may also push Kuldeep Yadav up to No. 8 as India does not want to go around with having not enough seamers in the cut.

Ashwin concluded by insisting on the gravity of these selection decisions. He feels that a serious problem with India is its weakness in batting depth beyond No. 7 and it is something that is still a cause for concern even during the 2023 World Cup. A lot would depend on the balance they achieve so that all conditions - whether it's spin-friendly or favoring pace - can be catered to. The question of including players who offer flexibility, batting or bowling or both, as a part and parcel of an Indian team for that event is wide open.