Asia Cup 2023: Ravi Shastri Slams B******* Theory During 'Ravichandran Ashwin' Debate With MSK Prasad

Ravi Shastri gave a bold reply to MSK Prasad, who raised the call to include Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023 to tackle the threat of left-handers. The former Indian head coach was quick to say that this thing is overrated.

Asia Cup 2023 is all set to take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from 30th August. India team will be playing in the Island nation and will open their campaign against Pakistan on 2nd September. The tournament will be great preparation for the team for the World Cup 2023.

But the Indian team still aren’t sure of what combination they will play. They are yet to finalize their middle order, spin bowling, and fast bowling department. With Asia Cup 2023 also around the corner, it’ll be interesting to see what team will selectors pick up and it’s safe to say that it’ll also indicate the World Cup squad.

Ahead of the event, Star Sports organized a show in which Ravi Shastri, MSK Prasad, and Sandeep Patil were present. The former cricketers were asked if the selectors might be tempted to go with an extra spinner for Asia Cup because of the conditions in Sri Lanka.

MSK Prasad called for the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the team for both the Asia Cup as well as well World Cup because of left-handers and said that he will be useful for the team. He explained:

“I still fancy my thing for Ashwin’s inclusion. Because you are playing in Asian conditions. He is one guy who can be effective against left-hand batters. Australia is filled with left-hand batters. We have seen that. Ashwin will be useful He is in best state of mind. He is at the right age. Especially, if we are plating in Sri Lanka and India. Only thing is running back of my mind is the experience of Ashwin.

“It can be handy. Do you require two wrist spinners? That is one area which I am thinking. Jadeja, Chahal and even Axar are of similar style…. the ball going out…What about left-handers. If he misses out we will miss him. That’s the option we have now.

“But statistically also, best of the left handers struggled against him. Let’s not forget we are playing in India and Sri Lanka which suits his bowling.”

Asia Cup 2023: This theory of lefties can’t bowl to lefties is I think bullshit – Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri however wasn’t amazed by the left-handers theory and went on to say that this thing is b******t. He explained:

“I think it’s Kuldeep’s job to sort out the left-handers. Sometimes this left-hander, right-hander thing is a little overplayed. To be honest, I got out enough left-handers as a left-arm spinner. This theory of lefties can’t bowl to lefties is I think bu***hit. By that theory, off-spinners can’t bowl to right handers.”

India are yet to name the squad for the Asia Cup 2023. As per the reports they will be revealing the team on 20th August and it’s fair to say that it’ll give a great understanding about the World Cup squad as well.