New Delhi: The Indian team management's decision to consistently bench veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for India vs England Test series has received flak from cricket pundits and fans time and again. Ashwin, currently one of the most experienced and decorated spinners of the world, has not been included in India's playing XI for any of the four Tests against England.
On Thursday at the time of the toss of recently-concluded Oval Test, Indian captain Virat Kohli had said again that Ashwin was not picked in the Top 5 list of bowlers to play against England. Ravindra Jadeja, who took just two wickets in the first three Tests, was once again preferred over Ashwin.
Kohli had said, "We felt that Jadeja is more suitable for the situation. Right now there is a place for a left-hander in the team and he is balancing the team at this time as a batsman." After this, Virat was put under the scanner for his decision with many saying that it was just Virat's stubbornness to prefer Ravindra Jadeja over Ashwin.
India adopted the strategy of fielding four fast bowlers and one specialist spinner in the fourth Test in a row. However, Virat's decision proved to be correct as an Ashwin-less India dominated England in the 4th Test to go 2-1 up in the series.
Now, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, who also plays with Virat for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL, has urged fans to stay away from controversies and other nonsense and just focus on the game.
Ab de Villiers, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL, has reached UAE for the second leg of the league. Recently, in a video released by RCB he said, "It feels great to be back. I'll see you again. Some players are in England but will come soon. We had a good start and he will keep the momentum going. I am feeling thrilled like a child."
RCB are currently third in IPL 2021 with ten points from seven matches. RCB will face Kolkata Knight Riders on 20 September in Abu Dhabi.