Ganguly criticizes Ashwin: Former Indian captain was at odds against India’s premier off-spinner for frequently getting injured.
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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his displeasure regarding India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for him getting frequently injured during overseas Test series. Ashwin, who is an integral part of India’s Test team in both departments, has left the team in trouble due to his fitness.
Ashwin sustained an injury after the third Test of the England series. Despite not fully fit, he was played in the fourth match, whose ramifications were faced by India. In the ongoing series against Australia, Ashwin played the first match but sustained a side strains ahead of the second match.
With him being India’s premier off-spinner, watching him succumbing to injuries during crucial tours spoils the balance of the side.
“Ravichandran Ashwin is worrying me now, he can’t be the premier spinner and get injured so many times on big tours: England, South Africa and now Australia,” Ganguly wrote in his column for The Times of India.
An off-spinner of his potential has it in him to dominate the proceedings against the left-handed batsmen. Ganguly also pointed out this, saying Ashwin is not doing his reputation doing any good.
“The team needs him against left-handers, he is not doing his reputation any good,” the 46-year-old added.
Another problem which India face in Ashwin’s absence is his replacement. Despite India carrying two spinners, there is the additional pressure of performing on his replacement for he is not sure if he will get another game when Ashwin will regain fitness.
With all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja being making comeback against England at The Oval, he didn’t find a place in the playing XI for the Adelaide Test.
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