Former chief selector MSK Prasad has thrown his support behind Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid’s strategic team selections. Posing a critical question, he asked, “Is reputation more important than winning the World Cup for Ashwin and Shami?” Despite their impressive track records, both players do not have guaranteed spots in the playing XI for the current World Cup.
Ravichandran Ashwin, despite being the top-ranked Test bowler globally and the leading wicket-taker among active spinners, finds himself in a peculiar position. After being left out of the white-ball format following the 2017 Champions Trophy, he made a comeback in the T20 World Cup in 2021, only to find himself facing uncertainties again in the current ODI World Cup. Similarly, Mohammed Shami, once India’s lead pacer, is yet to make an appearance in the tournament.
“The team management is doing correctly. Playing Ashwin is a wise move if the wickets are favourable for spinners; but, if they are flat, someone like Shardul who gives something with both bat and the ball becomes an alternative. I think Shami will play only if the team management chooses to rest Siraj or Bumrah. The team has a good balance with this setup,” Prasad said Hindustan Times.
Despite the bitter reality that neither Ashwin nor Shami are automatic selections, MSK Prasad applauds the team management’s decisions. He emphasizes that the team’s focus is on winning the championship rather than reputation.
“Ashwin would agree with the team’s decision. The focus is on winning the championship, not reputation. If we prioritize reputation, Shami should play instead of Siraj. The team values camaraderie and accepts this combination. As a fan, it hurts to see Shami sidelined, but from the captain’s perspective, the decisions aim to field the best XI for each game,” he added.