Nothing Unusual in Resting Ashwin and Jadeja: VVS Laxman
Sep 12, 2017 at 9:29 PM
Former Indian middle order batsman VVS Laxman doesn’t find anything wrong in resting Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja from the ODI series against Australia as he is of the opinion that the selection panel has “communicated” to Ashwin and Jadeja that they want to try out some young spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Ashwin and Jadeja have been “officially rested” for the ODI and T20I series against Australia but the fact Ashwin playing county cricket is contradicting the claims made by the selection committee.
“After the Champions Trophy, the selection committee took a policy decision. They wanted to have a look at some of the wrist spinners, which would add variety to the attack,” Laxman was quoted as saying by the PTI during a promotional event.
“I sincerely believe that Ashwin and Jadeja have been communicated to by the selectors. The selectors must have told both of them that they want to try two wrist spinners, who are very talented.
“They will get to play against a top quality side like Australia. Also, it doesn’t mean that Ashwin or Jadeja have been dropped,” Laxman tried to explain his viewpoint. Meanwhile, Laxman feels that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been the find of the season for the Men in Blue and can take up the role of a finisher like an MS Dhoni or a Suresh Raina.
“I am very happy how Hardik is taking a lot of burdens It’s a tough role to be a finisher but he can play that role that Dhoni and Raina have done for years. Yes, he needs to be a bit more consistent with his bowling,” said Laxman.
The Hyderabadi also dismissed the school of thought that Ajinkya Rahane’s ODI career is on the wane given the recent slump in his form.
Laxman also feels that Rahane’s limited overs career is far from over despite a slump in form in the recent past.
“Rahane is one of the leaders in the group. It’s just that we have a solid left-right combination in Shikhar (Dhawan) and Rohit (Sharma). But Rahane is certainly there in the mix and will get his opportunities,” he said.
Praising Virat Kohli’s style of captaincy Laxman said that there is a ruthlessness in his style of leadership.
“I know Sri Lanka weren’t the strongest side but winning 9-0 shows that the team was ruthless. Virat really led the side well.”
When asked to predict the scoreline for the ODI series, Laxman said 4-1 in favor of the hosts.