World Cup 2023: I don’t see Ashwin playing on that surface – Sanjay Manjrekar suggests changes for match against Afghanistan

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar doesn’t see Ravichandran Ashwin playing in India’s second World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday. Manjrekar reckons the team could bring in either Shardul Thakur or Mohammed Shami into the final XI.

The reputed commentator feels India will not go with three spinners if the track is the same as it was in a clash between South Africa and Sri Lanka. The Proteas had posted a gargantuan score of 428 runs on the board on a featherbed after Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram scored fine centuries.

Meanwhile, India had backed the spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav,
and Ravichandran Ashwin in their opening clash against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as the Chennai track had assistance for the spinners.

Furthermore, Hardik Pandya conceded 28 runs in the three overs he bowled against the Aussies and had an expensive outing.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports, “My view is that unless there is a compelling reason, I don’t like Hardik Pandya as your third seamer. I think he also feels the pressure if he is the third seamer.”

The former India batter added: “What is likely to happen is that if the pitch is similar to the one that we had in that South Africa-Sri Lanka game, which was a belter, there was nothing there for the spinners, I don’t see Ashwin playing on that surface.”

“India will add more batting depth unless they feel that they will get in pace quality against Afghanistan on this flat pitch. But they have shown their cards very early coming into the World Cup.

Mohammed Shami had recently scalped a five-wicket haul against Australia and he could be added in the playing XI if India wants to go with three genuine fast bowlers.

“They are not very keen to go one batter short. Shardul Thakur or Mohammed Shami is the change that I see if that’s the exact same surface that we get in Delhi.”

On the other hand, former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull was surprised that India didn’t play Mohammed Shami in the opening game against Australia.

“I was very surprised they didn’t play Shami in the first game. I know (Mohammed) Siraj is gun and (Jasprit) Bumrah is there, but I still think Shami is one of the better seamers in the world at the moment.

“So, it’s a great problem to have for them. I just wonder on the smaller ground whether the spinner might be left out for a seamer.”

India will be up against Afghanistan in their second game of the ODI showpiece, which will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday.