'Why Are They...' Harbhajan Singh On Washington Sundar and R. Ashwin's Selection
Indian bowler, R Ashwin (Twitter)
Former Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, has voiced his concerns about Team India's decision to add Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin to the squad for the upcoming Australia series. This move appears to be an attempt to rectify the previous omission of an off-spinner in the provisional World Cup squad.
The Indian cricket team is set to face Pat Cummins and his team in a three-match ODI series, commencing with the first match in Mohali on September 22. Both Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin have been selected to participate in all three ODIs, presumably to assess their suitability for the final World Cup squad.
Harbhajan Singh expressed his reservations about this development in a video shared on his YouTube channel, suggesting that the inclusion of these two off-spinners is an ill-considered decision. He explained:
"First, Washington Sundar, who was not initially part of the Asia Cup squad, was called up for that tournament. Now, another player, R Ashwin, has been added for this Australia series. It seems like Team India is in search of off-spinners."
He further commented:
"Perhaps they have realized their error in not including an off-spinner in the original squad, fearing that our bowlers may face difficulties when confronted with many left-handed batsmen. However, I find it hard to comprehend why they are going through such lengths to rectify their initial mistake."
Harbhajan believes that neither Sundar nor Ashwin is likely to secure a spot in India's playing XI for the World Cup. He reasoned:
"It's highly improbable that three spinners will be chosen for the team. At most, two spinners will be included. Ravindra Jadeja is almost certain to play, regardless of the opposition's left-handers, and the other spinner will likely be Kuldeep Yadav. No one can currently replace him."
India's provisional World Cup squad originally featured two spin-bowling all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. However, with Axar Patel sustaining an injury during the recently concluded Asia Cup, the selectors and team management seem to be considering Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin as potential alternatives should the Gujarat all-rounder's recovery be delayed.
 "Muskaan")
