(Image Source: BCCI/ICC)
[Saba Sports News] In a cricket clash where batsmen initially dominated, seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the game-changer during the second ODI between India and Australia in Indore. India posted a formidable 399/5 on the scoreboard, setting the stage for an intense battle.
In the second innings, the pitch’s behavior changed dramatically, and Ashwin’s consistent off-spin proved pivotal. He secured three crucial wickets, dismantling Australia’s chase with his spin wizardry. Yuzvendra Chahal, the out-of-favor Indian wrist spinner, expressed his admiration for Ashwin’s performance on social media, simply stating, “Ravichandran Ashwin name is enough @ashwinravi99 #Legend #INDvsAUS.”
The Selection Dilemma: The selection committee faced a challenging decision, choosing between wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Both possessed exceptional skills, but with two spin all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, accommodating two wrist spinners was a logistical challenge. Ultimately, Kuldeep was chosen due to his remarkable performance in the Indian ODI setup, bolstering both bowling and batting.
Chahal, though on the fringes, showcased his spin prowess in the Indian Premier League with an impressive record of 187 wickets at an average of 21.68 and an economy rate of 7.66. This highlighted his undeniable spin bowling talent, even in the face of limited opportunities at the international level.