As the Asia Cup 2023 squad for India was unveiled, a flurry of discussions erupted across social media regarding its composition. Amidst these debates, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is not part of the squad, has expressed his annoyance at the degrading comments directed towards selected players. Ashwin took the opportunity to shed light on the selections of Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, emphasizing the potential impact of IPL rivalry on such discussions.
Drawing attention to the inclusion of Tilak Varma, who is yet to feature in an ODI match, and Suryakumar Yadav, whose recent ODI form has been lackluster, Ashwin shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel. He praised Varma’s intent and fresh approach, attributing his selection to infuse a new dynamic into the squad. Similarly, he highlighted Yadav’s “x-factor” and the team’s faith in his capabilities, emphasizing the importance of backing players to perform in crucial moments.
Ashwin reflected on the historical approach of World Cup-winning captains like MS Dhoni, noting how they stood by their players through thick and thin. He referred to the ongoing IPL fervor, suggesting that fans should not carry the rivalries beyond the tournament, and should collectively support players who represent the nation.
The spinner urged fans to appreciate the broader context, where players from different teams unite under the Indian flag during international events. He encouraged fans to root for players regardless of their IPL allegiances, focusing on their roles for the national team.
Ashwin underscored the selectors’ understanding of the squad’s composition, reminding fans that in a vast country like India, some deserving players may miss out. He called for respect towards all selected players and an end to the practice of degrading others merely because a favorite player was not included.
India’s journey in the Asia Cup 2023 begins on September 2, with a clash against Pakistan in Colombo. As the team prepares for the tournament, Ashwin’s comments offer valuable insight into the dynamics of team selection and the broader perspective that fans should embrace.
