Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has pointed out his views on team India’s top-batting order in the ongoing Test series against England. He questioned the team’s decision to use Karun Nair in place of Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 in the second and third Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin criticised India’s decision to change Nair’s batting order mid-way and put him under sudden pressure. “Karun Nair has never played at No. 3. Now, by playing him at No. 3, you have put his mindset in a block,” Ashwin said.
Nair was promoted to No. 3 for the Birmingham and Lord’s Tests after batting at No. 6 in Headingley. Despite the change, the batter failed to make a good impression, resulting in his exclusion from the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Ashwin heaps praise on Sudharsan
Ashwin credited youngster Sai Sudharsan for showing a cordial behaviour towards the team and agreeing to the decision after being dropped. He believes Sudharsan should be considered for the No. 3 batting order in the future.
“Credit to Sai Sudharsan, because it is not easy being a youngster after getting dropped and with India 1-2 behind in the series to come into the fourth Test and respond the way he did. I think he has to own that No. 3 for the near future to be able to give a bit of solidity for the team,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin believes Sudharsan had the ability to score a century for India while praising his skills with the bat.
“He showed that sort of solidity. He was able to leave the ball. He earned the right to score those runs. I am a bit upset because I am a huge well-wisher of him. He could have scored a hundred,” he added.
The veteran was left impressed by the youngster’s knock of 61 runs on day one of the fourth Test at Manchester, highlighting his technical and mental ability during the match.
“What a fine, fine knock for somebody playing in his second Test. He was technically equipped and mentally strong. There was no need to drop him earlier,” he concluded.
For more exciting articles, follow Revsportz.