‘Just not degrade others’ – R Ashwin hits back at critics for degrading India’s squad selection for Asia Cup 2023

The Indian Cricket Board announced India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 on Monday, August 21. There were multiple shocking inclusions in the team such as Suryakumar Yadav and Tilka Varma. However, what caught the most attention was India’s veteran Yuzvendra Chahal‘s exclusion from the squad. Many fans and cricket experts criticised the selectors as they were unhappy with the squad.

Meanwhile, another veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who also didn’t get a place in the squad, hit back at all the trollers and said that we should respect and accept the selector’s decision as it is not good to degrade other players if your favourite player is not in the squad.

“When you get into the World Cup, we should see all our players as representatives of India – once IPL gets over, put a cloth, and move on & once the player plays for India, accept he did well in IPL – so if your favourite is not in the squad, just not degrade others”. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

KL Rahul is locked in at No.5: R Ashwin

India’s two veteran batters KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer will make their comeback in the Asia Cup 2023. Ashwin backed both batters and said that Rahul is a perfect player to bat at no. 5. On the other hand, he believes that Iyer will be playing at the no. 4 position.

“KL Rahul is locked in at No.5. India have been trying to find replacements for Yuvraj and Dhoni for the No.5 slot and Rahul has filled that position with expertise. If he is fit and ready, the No.5 position is also a lock. Shreyas Iyer is as important as KL Rahul on this side. One of the best players in the Indian line-up against spin and a consistent No.4 for India. He has played a crucial part in their success whenever he has played at 4. If he is completely fit to play, there should be no debate on the No.4 position,” he said.