"I don’t think he deserves a place in ODIs and T20s"- Yuvraj Singh on Ravichandran Ashwin

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh feels that while Ravichandran Ashwin is a world-class off-spinner, he shouldn't be in consideration for India's white-ball setup moving forward.

Ashwin was a part of the last three ICC white-ball events for India and his inclusion attracted a lot of debate in the cricketing fraternity. Yuvraj reckons Ashwin should only be considered in the Test format because he doesn't add much value in the white-ball team with the bat as well as in the field.

Here's what Yuvraj Singh was quoted as saying by TNN about Ravichandran Ashwin:

"Ashwin is a great bowler but I don’t think he deserves a place in ODIs and T20s. He is very good with the ball, but what does he bring with the bat? Or as a fielder? In the Test team, yes, he should be there. But in white-ball cricket, I don’t think he deserves a place."

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Yuvraj Singh on Hardik Pandya's importance

Hardik Pandya's injury woes have been a massive concern for Team India, especially given the balance he brings to the side. Yuvraj Singh feels that the Men in Blue should keep other options in the leadership group ready to ensure Pandya has enough help as captain.

On this, Yuvraj said:

"Hardik is a very important member of the team and India need him. He is injury prone and we need to give him time to recuperate and settle down. We have to get the best out of him. As for captaincy, we need to have more options. There is Suryakumar Yadav, who has been captaining India in T20Is. There is Shubman Gill, who will be captain in IPL."

Ever since his ankle injury during the 2023 World Cup, Pandya has been out of action. India might be looking at making Shivam Dube ready as a backup, especially given his recent performance against Afghanistan.