Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin. Image: Twitter

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel reckoned Ravichandran Ashwin won’t play for India in the T20 World Cup in Australia later in the year.

Ashwin returned to the team in the shortest format after a span of eight months. He played the first T20I against West Indies, he was 13 not out with the bat and returned with a couple dismissals to finish his spell at an economy rate of 5.5. 

Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin. Image: Twitter

Don’t see Ravichandran Ashwin playing the T20 World Cup: Parthiv Patel 

Ashwin was part of India’s squad in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in the UAE and played the last three games in the group stage. However, Parthiv believes the veteran off-spinner might not be picked in the mega event this year and could probably be benched in the second T20I. 

“I see Bishnoi playing ahead of Ashwin in the next game (if India decide to go with two spinners). I don’t see Ashwin playing the T20 World Cup, to be honest. I would want variety in Kuldeep Yadav, Bishnoi and (Yuzvendra) Chahal. Wrist spinners give that attacking option in between. Ashwin doesn’t give you that,” Parthiv told Cricbuzz. 

Parthiv Patel
Parthiv Patel PC- Twitter

Rohit Sharma was on top of his game: Parthiv Patel 

India posted 190/6 in the first innings thanks to fifty from skipper Rohit Sharma (64) and late cameo by Dinesh Karthik.  Karthik carried forward his brilliant run since staging return to the national side, he was unbeaten on 41 off 19 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, striking at 215.79.

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India restricted West Indies for 122 for 8 at the end of the game to win by 68 runs. Parthiv appreciated Rohit for using spinners in the powerplay effectively.

He (Rohit) made sure the spinners bowled at different times. We saw Ravi Bishnoi bowling four overs together at the death. Ashwin and Jadeja bowled in the first six overs. Usually, we see Ashwin bowling with the new ball, but not Jadeja. But we saw Jadeja bowl because of two right-handed match-ups. Rohit was on top of his game,” Parthiv said.

Both India and West Indies will move to St Kitts to play the second T20I match on August 1 at the Warner Park.

Also Read: IND vs WI: “Why Was He Totally Sidelined After The World Cup?” – Aakash Chopra On Ravichandran Ashwin Returning To India’s T20I Squad For Series vs West Indies