Virat Kohli Explains Why India Opted For Ishant Sharma Over Ashwin

Champion Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has not found a place in the starting XI for the Lord’s Test as the Virat Kohli-led management opted to add another seamer in the form of Ishant Sharma.

With Shardul Thakur getting ruled out of the second Test due to hamstring injury, the Indian think-tank was left with an interesting conundrum: pick Ashwin for the batting depth or add another pacer?

Kohli revealed at the toss that while Ashwin was a part of the 12 that was announced internally within the team, the think tank opted to go with Ishant Sharma as they felt that adding another seamer will give them an attacking option.

“We announced 12 within the group and Ashwin definitely was part of that. But after looking at the pitch, the conditions and considering how a fourth seamer can be an attacking option, this makes the most sense for us as a team,” Virat Kohli said at the toss when asked about the reason behind picking Ishant over Ashwin.

In the lead-up to the Test match, Virat Kohli had given enough indications that the team will be continuing with the 4+1 template and back its batters to do the job.

“Everyone wants to contribute, it’s about getting into the game as a batsman. We just need to get the job done, whoever it is, that’s our main focus. Especially with crowds back in, it’s a pleasure to be here. An honour to play in front of crowds for what should be a cracker,” Kohli said.

Meanwhile, India once again lost the toss and Joe Root had no hesitation in inviting them to bat. At the time of writing, India were 0/8 after 7 overs.

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