Harbhajan Singh wants Ravichandran Ashwin back in limited-overs squads

Indian spin legend Harbhajan Singh is of the view that Test off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin must get a chance to prove his credentials in the shorter formats of the sport once again. Harbhajan was speaking ahead of Team India’s selection for the T20Is and ODIs against West Indies on Thursday.

Ashwin last played for India in the shorter formats back in 2017, after which spin twins Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have taken over. Also, India have preferred Washington Sundar and Rahul Chahar in the T20 format of late.

Speaking to the PTI at the Australian High Commission on Tuesday, Harbhajan said:

“Ashwin spins the ball, he has got more variations. Someone like (Washington) Sundar needs to learn. I want him to do well. I am all for blooding in youngsters but they must learn else they will be replaced, considering the stiff competition,”

Ravi Shastri and Harbhajan Singh

Sundar has been opening the bowling for India in T20Is lately, but the Turbanator feels the out-of-favour experienced offie can do a much better job.

“If you are looking to bowl a spinner up front, you rather have a wicket-taker, which Ashwin is. Why not? He has also done a good job with the red ball recently,”

Both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were dropped in 2017 from the shorter formats as India’s fortunes dipped. Injuries to other players allowed Jadeja to make a comeback, and he grabbed the chance with both hands, putting up an impressive show in the 2019 World Cup as well.

While Ashwin has 362 wickets from 69 Tests, he has picked up 150 scalps in 111 ODIs, and 52 in 46 T20s. On the other hand, Harbhajan last played for India in a T20I in 2016.