Ravichandran Ashwin Would Want To Improve His Batting: Ravi Shastri

With multiple concerns for India while heading into the second Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, coach Ravi Shastri addressed Ravichandran Ashwin’s batting woes as the one likely to improve chances of Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion in the playing XI.

India failed to put a formidable total on the board in the first Test and as a result, the visitors could opt for Jadeja to bolster their batting. Their very dismal batting performance was responsible for a ten-wicket loss in Wellington.

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Of late, Jadeja has been in ominous form in all facets of the game, especially in Test cricket. The southpaw was averaging above 40 with the bat since the last three years and averaged 62 in 2019.

With the ball, he took 54, 25 and 21 wickets in 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively. In contrast, Ashwin lags way behind with the willow.

Ravichandran Ashwin is a world-class bowler: Ravi Shastri

The 62-year old conceded that Ashwin is a world-class bowler but they will have to take a call, to pick either one of them based on the conditions and what they can do for the team.

Ravi also said that the only department where Ashwin would be falling short is in terms of batting.

“We will take a call about Jadeja and Ashwin tomorrow. Ashwin is a world-class bowler, no doubt about it. We have to be sure we pick the right side for the right conditions and see what a player can bring to the table. He has bowled well over the years. If anything, he would be disappointed with his batting, he would want to improve his batting in time to come.”

“You have to see how much a role spinner has in the game. You have to assess everything like will the second innings be important, his batting and fielding.” Shastri told the reporters in Christchurch.

Coach Explains Why India Chose Rishabh Pant over Wriddhiman Saha:

When asked about the thought behind choosing Rishabh Pant over Wriddhiman Saha, Shastri said that while Saha is the best they have, there is less spin in New Zealand unlike in India.

Since more emphasis is on fast bowling and batting, Pant’s attacking intent helps in the lower-order.

“We went for Saha in India as they were turning tracks. Saha is one of the best around. But when you come here, there is not much of spin-bowling. The emphasis is on fast-bowling and batting. Rishabh, being an attacking batsman in the lower order, helps him in his selection.” he mentioned in this regard.

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