'How can Ravi Ashwin even come in this team?' - Kiran More disappointed with India's squad selection for Asia Cup 2022

The BCCI, on Monday, announced a 15-member squad for India’s campaign at the Asia Cup 2022. It was a moment to rejoice for the Indian cricket fans as former India skipper Virat Kohli and India opener KL Rahul made their return, but there was also a sense of disappointment as Jasprit Bumrah missed out due to an injury. However, Kiran More, former chairman of the selection committee, questioned the decision of including Ravichandran Ashwin in the squad.

Kohli had been rested for India’s recent series against West Indies so that he could focus on his form, and his name also went missing from the squad that is set to play Zimbabwe this month. On the other hand, Rahul recovered from a groin injury post the IPL 2022, which was followed by a recovery from the COVID-19 virus, which kept him out of the international setup for more than two months.

Look at his IPL record, it is not that good: More

Speaking to Star Sports after India’s squad announcement, Kiran More shared his opinion on the same and revealed that India could have gone with an additional seamer in the form of Mohammed Shami, or the selectors could have picked Axar Patel as the all-rounder spin option instead of Ashwin.

“I was surprised. How can Ashwin even come in this team? And every time. Even in the last World Cup, he was picked in the team and then did not play. Look at his IPL record, it is not that good. I really felt Shami should have taken that role or Axar Patel. And Axar has performed very well. Shami is my player, and he will go to the World Cup. I want wicket-taking bowlers. Shami can pick wickets with the new ball, in the middle overs and in the slog overs as well,” he said.

As for the bowling attack, the squad includes two spinners- Ravi Bishnoi and Yuzvendra Chahal, and three spin-bowling all-rounders- Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin, and Deepak Hooda. While Kiran More praised young Bishnoi for being called up to the squad and did not express opposition to the team’s decision to include other spinners, he did admit that he was shocked to see Ashwin’s name on the roster.