R Ashwin is one of those who are very adaptable: Daniel Vettori

BCCI recently named India’s 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, and they included three spinners in the main squad apart from Ravi Bishnoi in the reserves. As Ravindra Jadeja has been injured, India had to go in with the like-to-like replacement of Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal has been India’s best spinner over the last 12 months making him an automatic selection.

However, Ashwin got the nod ahead of Bishnoi despite the wrist spinner having an impressive start to his international career. The 35-year-old has made the cut based on his batting abilities down the order and former New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori recently noted his views on Ashwin getting picked up in the Indian squad.  

Ravi Ashwin knows what he needs to do in little situations: Daniel Vettori 

Vettori heaped praise on Ashwin’s abilities as a spinner and noted his records in the Test format being exceptional. He felt that the good form in IPL led to his selection and hailed Ashwin for his adaptability and his handling of pressure situations. He added that India has the luxury of most of their spin bowlers being all-rounders and felt that it gives extra balance to the side.  

“I think the point around finger spinners and his ability to bowl top spin and we all know that Ashwin is exceptional in the way he bowls in Test matches. The thing with him is he is coming off a great IPL, so he has been included back in the T20 squad for India and he is one of those guys who is very adaptable. He does know what he needs to do in little situations,” Vettori told in a video posted by ESPN Cricinfo 

“So, if he is fit for it and in form, then why not, he has been to Australia on a number of occasions. It will be down to India how they prepare their spin bowlers, a lot to choose from, in a fact that most of their spin bowlers are all-rounders as well, gives them such good balance to the team,” he added.