If Ravi Ashwin is not playing in these conditions at Lord’s, I don’t see Virat Kohli changing the template soon: VVS Laxman

Ravichandran Ashwin was once again sidelined from the Indian playing XI for the second Test match against England at Lord’s. While Ishant Sharma made a return to the Indian side, Ashwin sat out of the Indian side for the second time in a row.

And, batting legend VVS Laxman has offered his thoughts on the non-inclusion of Ashwin in the Indian side for the second Test match. Laxman opined that Ishant Sharma should have walked into the Indian side instead of Mohammed Siraj and there is no doubt about it.

The batting icon further opined that Ashwin was India’s go-to spinner in the World Test Championship Final (WTC) and suddenly he is not finding a spot in the Indian playing XI in England.

“Ishant Sharma walks into the team if he is hundred percent fit. And that should have been in the place of Mohammed Siraj. For me, I am not able to comprehend what changes from the World Test Championship final when Ashwin was your go-to first-choice spinner, and in a matter of a month’s time, he is not even finding a place in the playing XI,” said Laxman in a chat on ESPNCricinfo.

Ravichandran Ashwin gets the variety into the Indian bowling attack: VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman further added that playing four pacers is a luxury for India irrespective of the conditions on offer. The former right-handed batsman stated that both Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj can bowl long spells with the red cherry.

“I still feel that four fast bowlers is a luxury, irrespective of the conditions you are playing on. India has got three quality fast bowlers, whether it was Siraj or Ishant Sharma, it doesn’t matter, because both of them are quality fast bowlers who have got the ability to bowl long spells,” stated Laxman.

VVS Laxman opined that Ashwin is a bowler who brings variety into the bowling attack, and added that he is still not able to comprehend why Ashwin is not featuring in the Indian playing XI. Laxman concluded by stating that Ashwin will have to wait for his turn.

“Ashwin gets that variety to the bowling attack, and he has got abundance of experience. So, I am not able to comprehend the reasoning behind this decision. I think it is very clear listening to Virat Kohli that he wants to continue with this template. It is very clear that Ashwin will have to wait for his time. If Ashwin is not playing in these conditions at Lord’s, I don’t see him getting into this playing XI, and I don’t see Virat Kohli changing the template very soon,” concluded Laxman.