Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has opined that Ravichandran Ashwin’s selection for the T20 World Cup will not guarantee his place in the playing XI. He also stated that the off-spinner was probably chosen to make up for the fact that he hasn’t played a single match in the Test series against England so far.

India’s squad for the T20 World Cup is filled with quite a few surprises. Shikhar Dhawan and Yuzvendra Chahal were left out while in-form bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur only managed to make it to the reserves. Ashwin, who last played a T20I in 2017, has been included but Gavaskar expressed his doubts over whether he will actually get to play a game.

Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin (Image Credit: Twitter)

Ashwin’s return is a good thing but we’ll have to wait and see if he gets a place in the playing XI. You have selected him in the 15, that’s alright, you chose him in the squad in England as well but are not giving him the chance in the XI.

So, he’s perhaps just given a consolation cup to make up for the disappointment that he might have from here (in England). Will he play in the XI? Only time will tell,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying to SportsTak.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India
Ravichandran Ashwin (Image Credit: Twitter)

Sunil Gavaskar believes MS Dhoni’s role as a mentor comes as big news for India

Apart from Ashwin’s selection, another big surprise in the team was the appointment of former skipper MS Dhoni as a mentor. This was a great move considering the experience the legendary Indian player has, and if things go according to plan, India benefits a lot from this move, as per Gavaskar.

MS Dhoni being the mentor is bigger news than Ashwin’s selection because a captain, who led India to the 2011 World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup wins, if he’s in that camp, then India will immensely benefit from it.

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, ODIs
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni (Image Credit: Twitter)

There was no bigger, destructive player than Dhoni when he was active in international cricket. His appointment is good news for India but I am just praying there is no clash. But if Shastri and Dhoni can get on the same wavelength, then it’s big news for India,” Gavaskar added.

India begins its quest for a first ICC trophy in over 8 years with a match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24 in Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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