Yuzvendra Chahal Breathing Down Ravichandran Ashwin's Neck in Test Team: Reports
Published - 08 May 2018, 06:16 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:51 PM
Ravichandran Ashwin has been the premier spinner in world cricket over the past two years now. He has undoubtedly been a pivotal player for India’s success in Tests under Virat Kohli‘s captaincy.
Ashwin played a massive role in India’s rise to the top ICC Test rankings. However, he could face stiff competition from Yuzvendra Chahal, according to Times of India.
The young leg-spinner also has the backing of Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who is keen to get Chahal into Test cricket as well. Sources close to the team management said Kohli had told Chahal to be ready for Afghanistan Test in June.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin has been playing county cricket with Worcestershire for the past couple of years. But he did not renew his contract with the club eyeing to play in Afghanistan Test on June 14.
“Virat has given Chahal enough feelers. But now that Virat has himself backed out of the Test, it could be interesting if the selectors stick with Chahal,” said a source close to the development.
However, with Virat Kohli himself not playing the Test match against Afghanistan, it remains to be seen if selectors would go ahead and pick Chahal ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli is expected to play for Surrey this summer to get acclimatised to English conditions ahead of England tour.
Dropping Ashwin and Jadeja Is Quite Difficult
Indian skipper Virat Kohli had backed both Chahal and Yadav in limited-overs cricket. However, both Ashwin and Jadeja have been playing some excellent cricket in Tests for India recently.
It will be tough for the selectors to drop either of them, as they had always managed to deliver when the team needed wickets. It would be a horrendous decision to leave them for England tour as well.
“Ashwin may well travel to England for Tests, but he will face stiff competition from Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. There is also talks of resting Ashwin against Afghanistan so that the wrist spinners get a feel of Test cricket,” added a course close to the Indian team management.
Virat Kohli had largely backed both Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal in Tests. The duo were asked to skip Ranji Trophy matches and train at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) instead last year. Jasprit Bumrah had made his Test debut in South Africa early this year.
Chahal could also make his Test debut if he continues his good form. However, if India needs to pick only one spinner in limited-overs’ games in England, Virat Kohli could prefer Chahal over Kuldeep Yadav.
“Chahal is quicker through the air and is more accurate. He has been asked to concentrate on his leg-breaks. That’s why you see him bowling more share turning leg-breaks this IPL. Bangalore could have been the ideal ground for Chahal to make his debut,” the source informed.
