Former India batter Aakash Chopra has said that the spin-bowling pair of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bowling in tandem doesn’t work for India. The Men in Blue defeated Australia by five wickets at the PCA Stadium in Mohali to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said both a Jadeja and Ashwin were economical even though Ashwin did not start off well. Ashwin gave away 47 runs while picking up the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne in his 10 overs in Mohali.
“The spinners bowled economical spells. Ashwin did not start well; he was hit for a few boundaries. But he was playing ODI cricket after a while, so it can get difficult. However, he bounced back strongly and also claimed a wicket. Ravindra Jadeja was also economical, which is a good thing when the pitch is flat,” said Chopra.
He went on to say that Jadeja and Ashwin bowling in tandem doesn’t work for India as they need bowlers who can take wickets in the middle overs. Jadeja dismissed David Warner while leaking 51 runs in 10 overs.
“My only concern is Jadeja and Ashwin bowling in tandem doesn’t work. If it was working, the team wouldn’t have looked in a different direction many years back. India moved away from the duo since they needed spinners who take wickets in the middle overs,” Chopra added.
Chopra said India needs to pick more wickets in the middle overs and the purpose of the change is defeated when Jadeja and Ashwin bowl in tandem. India will now face Australia at the Holkar Stadium in Indore for the second match of the series on September 24.
“Suddenly, you leave that trajectory and move in a different direction. The purpose of the change is then defeated. You need wickets in the middle overs. Australia were ordinary with the bat, but we need more wickets in the middle overs,” said Chopra.
