Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian cricketer, has expressed his desire for India to include Ravi Ashwin in their starting lineup for their upcoming match against England in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In order to accommodate Ashwin, Harbhajan has suggested that India consider omitting one of their fast bowlers from the playing eleven.
Just a week before the start of the 2023 World Cup, Ashwin secured his spot in India’s squad. So far, he has featured in one out of India’s five matches. In the opening game against Australia, he bowled 10 overs, managing to grab one wicket while conceding 34 runs.
Since that match, India has primarily relied on just two spinners. However, if the conditions allow, they might opt for a three-spinner strategy when facing England. The defending champions have been grappling with several challenges in the tournament, especially their vulnerability against high-quality spin bowling.
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is renowned for its slow wickets. Despite undergoing a complete pitch overhaul following criticism during the 2023 IPL, the new pitches still favor spin bowlers.
Harbhajan Singh has suggested that India could consider giving Mohammed Siraj some rest and bringing Ashwin into the squad to create a more challenging situation for England. He also mentioned that if the pitch conditions are standard, India might stick with the same eleven that played against New Zealand.
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“Kuldeep Yadav’s form has been good, but I wonder if we will get to see three spinners play in the next game: Kuldeep, [Ravindra] Jadeja, and Ashwin. It could be a possibility since England do not play well. As it is, England are not playing well in the World Cup, and if the ball starts spinning, I don’t think they will be able to do much better. Playing three spinners might not be a bad option,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
To make a place for Ravi Ashwin in the team, Harbhajan Singh advocated giving Mohammed Siraj a well-deserved break, since he has featured in all five matches so far. Notably, Mohammed Shami completed an outstanding five-wicket haul in his maiden encounter during the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
“Siraj can be rested. He has played back-to-back games. Shami has just come into the playing XI and has claimed a five-fer. If a pitch is a normal one and is not expected to offer a lot of turns, then I do not see too many changes in the team. The team that played against New Zealand might be retained. However, India is playing England, so they might want a slow pitch,” Harbhajan Singh further elaborated.
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