Leaving players out of a big tournament always stirs debate, and this time India’s Asia Cup squad has done just that.
Two names, Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were left out despite strong form, and former India spinner Ravi Ashwin feels the decision is “sad and unfair.”
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While Ashwin praised Shubman Gill’s promotion as vice-captain, he could not hide his disappointment over the absence of Iyer and Jaiswal.
Why did Ashwin call it unfair for Iyer and Jaiswal?
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, said selection is never easy, but that doesn’t make it hurt less for those who miss out.
“Selection is a thankless job. You have to let someone out. When you talk to them, you have to go through that sadness and disappointment in their faces. I hope, someone has talked to Shreyas and Jaiswal,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
He explained that Shreyas Iyer has done everything possible to earn a place. From leading Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory earlier, to guiding Punjab Kings into their first final since 2014, Iyer has proven his worth in different situations.
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Ashwin added that Iyer even handled his old weakness against short balls, playing quality fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah with confidence in the IPL.
“What Shreyas has done wrong... he did brilliantly well for KKR, made them win. He was sent into the auction. He then took Punjab to the finals for the first time since 2014. He overcame the short ball problem. He was hitting the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah with ease in the IPL. I am just extremely sad for him and Yashasvi Jaiswal; it is extremely unfair,” he added.
Why was Gill chosen ahead despite competition?
The twist in this selection was the rise of Shubman Gill. He was only a standby player in last year’s T20 World Cup, but his red-hot form in the Test series against England turned things around.
The selectors not only gave him a place in the Asia Cup squad but also named him vice-captain.
Ashwin, while happy for Gill, still questioned the logic. “If Gill’s strong form is the reason, then what about Iyer and Jaiswal, who are also in excellent form?” he asked.
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According to him, it is difficult to explain why players in form are ignored, especially when someone from the World Cup-winning team had to be pushed aside to accommodate Gill.
“When you have Jaiswal as your third opener, you have brought Shubman Gill in the team by removing a person from the World Cup winning squad. I mean, I am happy for Shubman but I am very, very sad for both Shreyas and Jaiswal. It’s just not fair on both,” Ashwin said.
In Ashwin’s words, celebrating Gill’s success is fine, but it should not come at the cost of ignoring two other deserving players.