Gavaskar lashes out at Indian management over Ashwin treatment
What's the story
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has lashed out at the Indian cricket team management over the treatment of R Ashwin. The premier off-spinner was dropped against West Indies recently, before making a comeback to the starting XI in the first Test against South Africa. Gavaskar feels Ashwin should be a certainty. Here's what the former Indian captain said.
Ashwin wickets
Ashwin claims 5/128 against the Proteas
Ashwin has been a phenomenal cricketer for Team India in Tests. He has been a long servant of the side and deserves more for his consistency. Ashwin made a decent return to the side against the Proteas. He has claimed 5/128 in the first innings despite struggling against Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock on Day 3. Gavaskar shared his opinion on him.
Gavaskar views
Gavaskar highlights why Ashwin struggled a bit against SA
Ashwin was on top on Day 2 at close of play, however he struggled to break the composure of Elgar and De Kock as they stitched a 164-run stand. "Ashwin should be a certainty. The fact that he has not been made to feel the comfort level is the reason why we are seeing him struggle a little bit," Gavaskar told official broadcasters.
Strong words
There's more to than cricketing performances: Gavaskar on Ashwin's treatment
Gavaskar lashed out at the team management and feels Ash cannot be sidelined regularly. "I think there is more to it than just cricketing performances which is the reason he just finds himself sidelined more often than somebody with his record should be. Somebody who has got almost 350 wickets can't be sidelined as regularly as he has been," he added.
Quote
'Ashwin needs to feel the confidence of people around him'
"He has also got to feel he has got the confidence of the people around him. When you don't have the confidence of people around you, when you keep getting sidelined, then you try a little too hard," said Gavaskar.
Information
Ashwin claims his 27th five-wicket haul in Test cricket
SA posted 385/8 at stumps on Day 3. Ashwin was India's best bowler and he showed his influence at home once again. The premier off-spinner has raced to 347 Test scalps at 25.44. This was Ashwin's 27th five-wicket haul in Tests.