T20 World Cup 2024

‘He hasn’t given me the confidence’ – Kapil Dev makes his choice between Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin for semi-final

Indian have been on a roll in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 as they topped Group 2 with eight points and qualified for the semi-finals. The team management has shown faith in the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin over the wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the tournament so far. Despite Ashwin picking up three wickets for 22 against Zimbabwe on Sunday, former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev isn’t happy with the off-spinner’s performance in the tournament so far.

After India registered a massive 71-run-victory over Zimbabwe where Ashwin finished as the highest wicket-taker of the match, Kapil Deb stated that the batters threw their wickets against the off-spinner.

“Until now, Ashwin hasn’t given me the confidence. He picked up wickets today but it didn’t look as if he got them. In fact, batsmen iss tarah out huye ki unhe khud bhi 1-2 wickets lete huye sharam aa rahi thi (Some of the batsmen got out in a way that Ashwin himself couldn’t believe it). He was hiding his face. Picking up wickets obviously gives you that confidence but the Ashwin we know, we haven’t seen him show the same rhythm,” Kapil said on ABP News.

Ashwin has picked up 6 wickets in the tournament so far at an average of 21.33 and an economy rate of 7.52. The off-spinner was a bit unlucky in the match against South Africa where a catch of the set batter Aiden Markram was dropped on his bowling. Ashwin was later taken to the cleaners following the catch-drop.

If you want to surprise the opposition, they can always turn to the wrist-spinner : Kapil Dev

With India already qualified for the semis ahead of the match against Zimbabwe on Sunday, Chahal was expected to be included in the XI. However, the management continued to show faith in Axar Patel and Ashwin.

When asked between Ashwin or Chahal, who will play against England in the semi-final, Kapil gave a measured answer.

“It depends on the team management. If they have confidence on Ashwin, it’s good. He has played the entire tournament so he can adjust if need be. But if you want to surprise the opposition, they can always turn to the wrist-spinner (Chahal). Whoever wins the confidence of the management and captain, will play,” added Kapil.

India will play England in the second semi-final on November 10, Thursday at the Adelaide Oval.