Nick Compton feels all is not well between Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin

Team India’s decision to not include Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing eleven for the ongoing first Test against West Indies has raised a number of eyebrows. And one cannot really say that the reactions are uncalled for. The way Ashwin is being treated by the Indian team management, it is really baffling. Ashwin has been one of India’s biggest match-winners in Tests in recent times.

But things are just falling into place for the ace spinner at the moment. He is yet to play an international game this year. The barren run could only extend if Team India persist with their decision. While the team-management could speak about Ashwin’s overseas struggles to justify their decision, one cannot ignore the spinner’s performance against the West Indies.

The last time India toured West Indies for a Test series in 2016, Ashwin was the standout performer. He had picked the most number of wickets in addition to scoring 2 centuries to walk away with the Man of the Series award. In 11 Tests against the Caribbeans, Ashwin has taken 60 wickets at 21.85 and has scored four hundreds to give him an average of over 50.

But the team-management felt that dropping Ravichandran Ashwin was the right choice and instead picked Ravindra Jadeja. Unsurprisingly, the decision has caused a stir in the cricketing circle. The fans and experts are busy deriving the logic behind the decision. Well, former England batsman Nick Compton has come up with his own opinion.

Compton’s bold comments

Known for his bold comments, Nick Compton feels that all is not well between Virat Kohli and Ashwin. Compton took to Twitter to state his opinion after ESPNCricinfo’s Raunak Kapoor criticized the decision to drop Ashwin.

“Worst possible start to India’s WTC. 3 down in quick time including Kohli & Pujara. Mayank got a good one. Pujara uncharacteristic, Kohli still in one-day mode. Didn’t like the call to drop Ashwin, but the extra batsman choice looking good now,” wrote Raunak.

In reply, Compton wrote:

“What is going on with Ashwin… clearly a personal difference between him and Kohli?”

Talking about the match, India failed to start the series on a strong note. By the end of Day one, they were reeling at 203 for 6. Ajinkya Rahane’s return to form was the only positive for Team India.