Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag has weighed in on the tactics for Rohit Sharma’s Team India in the ongoing ICC World Cup. His suggestion? Resting seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for the upcoming match against Afghanistan.
Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India aims to continue the trend of the host nation winning the ODI World Cup in 2023. The last time India clinched this prestigious title was in 2011 when they hosted the tournament. With a talented squad and high hopes, they are determined to repeat history.
Virender Sehwag, a key figure in India’s World Cup-winning squad, has shared his perspective on India’s approach. Speaking to Cricbuzz ahead of India’s clash with Afghanistan, Sehwag expressed his belief that Ravichandran Ashwin should be given a well-deserved rest. He cited multiple reasons for this decision.
Sehwag explained that Ashwin should be rested primarily to preserve him for crucial matches in the tournament. Mohammed Shami’s exceptional form and his five-wicket haul against Australia have made him a valuable asset. Additionally, the different pitch conditions and smaller ground in Delhi further emphasize the need to manage Ashwin’s workload.
“I think Ravichandran Ashwin will be rested. Mohammed Shami has been in wonderful form, and he even took a fifer against Australia. This is a different wicket, and the ground is also smaller. Also, there is the age factor with Ashwin. So, India will look to save him for the big matches,” Sehwag said.
Another factor influencing this decision is the age factor. Ashwin, a seasoned campaigner, has been a consistent performer for India over the years. However, as players age, it becomes essential to strategically manage their participation to maintain peak performance during critical encounters.
In the opening match against Australia, Ashwin bowled 10 overs and secured a crucial wicket. However, it was his teammate, the veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who shone brightly with match-winning figures of 3 for 28 in 10 overs. This highlights the depth of India’s bowling resources.
‘If You Want To Win The World Cup, Then You Have To Beat…’, Gautam Gambhir Comes With An Interesting Analysis
Sehwag also commended the decision by Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to appoint KL Rahul as the first-choice wicketkeeper of the Men In Blue for the World Cup. Rahul’s stellar performance, including an unbeaten 97, played a pivotal role in India’s victory over Australia. Sehwag believes that this move has strengthened India’s middle order and reduced their reliance on other batters.
“We must praise Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for convincing KL Rahul to keep wickets and bat in the middle-order. Rahul batting in this position has strengthened Team India’s middle-order. Had he opened the innings and gotten out early, we would have had to rely on guys like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav,” Sehwag added.
