ICC Champions Trophy: 5 reasons why Ravichandran Ashwin should play against South Africa

#3 One batsman too many

India do not need an extra run-scoring batsman, they need a run-curtailing bowler

A couple of years back, MS Dhoni was the only ‘real’ finisher in the Indian ODI team. If and when he got out, what followed next was a sorry tale of the Indian tail. Pertaining to keeping his wicket safe, the then Indian skipper started playing a relatively slow and cautious game, while losing out some of his naturally offensive stroke-play.

However, that is not the case today. In the last two games, India had four batsmen after Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh and Kohli (all of whom are in great touch, BTW). Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja are now crammed into the role of the ‘finisher’ with Dhoni.

Unsurprisingly, Jadeja the batsman was wasted in both the games.

This batting slot can be turned into a bowling position if Ashwin comes in place of any one of these batsmen. It was not lack in batting depth that cost India a match against Sri Lanka, it was the middle overs of the Sri Lankan innings, where the bowlers were pelted by the Sri Lankan batters.

Ashwin brings in a bowling option that will not only contain runs but will scalp a couple of decisive wickets in the middle-over-crisis that Kohli’s men are currently suffering from.