“I’m really worried for Sai Sudharsan” – Indian legend’s huge statement on team selection after IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Posted on 17/11/2025 by admin

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the team management’s long-term strategy after naming Washington Sundar at No. 3, sidelining Sai Sudharsan during the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Men in Blue took an unorthodox approach by including four spinners, with an all-rounder batting at No. 3, while the left-handed batter was once again benched.

Team India has been grappling with the No. 3 spot during this transition phase but has yet to settle on a reliable choice or provide a consistent run for any candidate. Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan were tried in the top order during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Sudharsan had been locked in for the home series against the West Indies. Despite recording a promising 87 in the second Test against Roston Chase and company in Delhi, Sudharsan found himself dropped from the playing XI once again. Previously, he was excluded just after his debut at Headingley, Leeds, against England.

Ashwin expressed concern that the lack of consistent opportunities could undermine players’ confidence. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said, “I’m really worried for Sai Sudharsan, he is a good player. What would he be thinking after being dropped? I always feel that four spinners is too many to have in a team. Washington Sundar did not even bowl in the second innings. You play four spinners, then you don’t give a single over to one of them. These are all going to play into the confidence of the players.”

He added, “I know that in a T20I you tend to go with all-rounders, but specialists will work in Tests. In many ways, to create a lot of stability without insecurity, and giving people their roles are extremely crucial. These are crucial WTC points. India were looking prime to be in the final, because even Gill said at the toss that he will win one directly in the final. But we have to reach there first, and this match is a huge blow for that.”

Ashwin urged the team management to finalize their choice for the No. 3 batter and avoid changing it based on conditions. “He (Sundar) has the ability. But whether it is the right decision, only time can answer. We can speak about it and dissect it after a loss, but we have to give him time. I really think Sai Sudharsan has a good future. If we are to build the team around a No. 3, you need a No. 3 for that. See the batters that have played at No. 3, and there is stability required. If you are taking the Washington Sundar route, I hope you stick with Washi for a few years. The decision for the No. 3 batter cannot be fleeting, depending on the conditions,” he elaborated.

Washington Sundar delivered a decent performance on his maiden outing at No. 3 on a challenging wicket, scoring 29 and 31 in the first and second innings respectively. However, he bowled only one over throughout the match.

**India urged to focus on preparation ahead of second Test**

With a crucial second Test against South Africa looming, Team India faces multiple challenges. Shubman Gill’s injury and unavailability, along with the batters’ ongoing struggles against spin, have added to concerns as the hosts aim to avoid a second consecutive home series loss within 12 months.

Ravichandran Ashwin advised the Indian team to concentrate on preparation and building confidence rather than obsessing over pitch behavior. “The pressure is now all on India. If I am sitting in the South Africa dressing room, I will start looking downwards from now itself because there will be no bounce in Guwahati, and I will also be going in with a lot of smiles. India will be burning the midnight oil now. They will already be thinking about what wicket to prepare, what combination to play. I would say forget about the pitch, and focus on the practice and confidence. If we do that, I think we will come out okay. But if we continue to obsess over the pitch, I think we are in for another trouble-filled Test,” Ashwin concluded.

The second Test between India and South Africa will begin on Saturday, November 22, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. This match will mark the first time the venue hosts an international red-ball game.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-i-m-really-worried-sai-sudharsan-indian-legend-s-huge-statement-team-selection-ind-vs-sa-2025-1st-test

“Cameron Green is a no” – Legendary spinner makes huge claim ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Posted on 16/11/2025 by admin

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has made a significant claim regarding Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) strategy for the IPL 2026 auction. The legendary spinner stated that CSK will not target Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in the upcoming auction. Ashwin elaborated on why Green does not fit into the team’s plans, emphasizing the team’s existing lineup and player roles.

Ashwin, however, suggested that CSK might want to push Green’s price higher in the auction. The Chennai-based franchise could deliberately stretch Green’s price to benefit their team strategy. Instead, Ashwin believes CSK will focus on securing seasoned all-rounder Andre Russell, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the mini-auction.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:

“CSK have two slots to fill — a spinner and a finisher. In this particular setup, Cameron Green is a no. There is a lot of talk that CSK should go for Green and bring him in. Firstly, CSK will not get Cameron Green, and secondly, in this line-up, he will not sit well. He is not a finisher. He will have to play after Mhatre, Ruturaj, Brevis, Dube, and maybe even Dhoni.

The ideal batter to come and finish the innings is Andre Russell. I have seen the CSK analyst put up Dre Russ, so I think they will go for him.”

Ashwin also warned that CSK might have to “break the bank” if they want either of the two all-rounders. He expressed optimism that the Super Kings might try to rebuy Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, while suggesting that pursuing another experienced all-rounder like Glenn Maxwell could be off the table.

He added:

“CSK don’t need Green as desperately as KKR need. But CSK also have the responsibility of pushing Green’s price. If CSK don’t stretch KKR to over ₹20 crore for Green, then they will again come back for Russell. Then CSK will not get both of them. CSK have to break their bank on one player.

It will be nice if they try to get Pathirana back. If they had let go of Overton, they could have pushed for Maxwell.”

### CSK’s Auction Purse and Player Retention

With ₹43.40 crore remaining, CSK hold the second-highest purse ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, only behind KKR, who have ₹64.30 crore in their bank.

**CSK retained players list:**
– Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
– Ayush Mhatre
– Dewald Brevis
– MS Dhoni
– Urvil Patel
– Shivam Dube
– Jamie Overton
– Ramakrishna Ghosh
– Noor Ahmad
– Khaleel Ahmed
– Anshul Kamboj
– Gurjapneet Singh
– Nathan Ellis
– Shreyas Gopal
– Mukesh Choudhary

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### “Dhoni Could Just Play as an Impact Player” – Ashwin’s Prediction Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Ravichandran Ashwin also speculated on MS Dhoni’s role for the upcoming IPL season. He believes that Dhoni might take on the role of an impact player, especially since Sanju Samson is available to fulfill wicketkeeping duties.

Ashwin urged the 44-year-old veteran to continue batting, as CSK currently lacks enough finishers, though the final composition depends on the auction buys.

He explained:

“If MS Dhoni does not want to play, this release list would have indicated that. The fact that Jadeja is gone, and they already don’t have power finishers, it tells us that MS Dhoni will continue.

Also, because Sanju can keep wickets, it is a very good possibility that Dhoni could just play as an impact player. Only he can tell whether there is enough petrol left in his tank, but the fact that the release list does not have his name is as good as a confirmation that he will play the season.”

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Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2026, including live scores, auction predictions, match schedules, points tables, and detailed squad information for all franchises.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-cameron-green-no-legendary-spinner-makes-huge-claim-ahead-ipl-2026-auction

“I am happy with Surya’s 10-ball 20” – Legendary spinner’s huge statement on India’s captain knock in AUS vs IND 2025 4th T20I

Posted on 06/11/2025 by admin

Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed satisfaction with skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s cameo in the fourth T20I of the five-match series against Australia. The match was held at Carrara Oval in Queensland on Thursday, November 6.

Asked to bat first, India finished at 167/8 in their 20 overs, with Shubman Gill top-scoring with 46 off 39 balls, including four fours and one six. Meanwhile, skipper Suryakumar Yadav walked in at No. 4 and made 20 off 10 balls, including two sixes.

In response, Washington Sundar took three wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 119 in 18.2 overs, losing the game by 48 runs.

Following the match, during a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin lauded Suryakumar’s timely knock and said:
“10 balls for 20 from Suryakumar Yadav was extremely valuable. I always think in T20 cricket, 10 balls for 20 at a 200 strike rate is more valuable because even today, Abhishek and Shubman had a decent partnership at the opening. So Surya came in and gave that amazing impetus and momentum. I would always think 10 balls for 20 is way more valuable than a strike rate of less than 125, 120, or 130 in a T20 game, unless, of course, you are chasing a game.”

He added, “If you’re chasing and players are going all out and blazing away, on one side you have to play in double gear, but today, with the wicket, everyone knows that 160 is a good score. So the way Shubman paced the innings, that’s the way he had to play, and he did that. So credit where it’s due, but I am happy with Surya’s 10-balls-20, what he could do, he did.”

Overall, in four games so far, Suryakumar has scored 84 runs at an average of 28.00 and a strike rate of 171.42.

**“Someone you cannot hit so easily” – R Ashwin heaps praise on India all-rounder**

In the same video, Ravichandran Ashwin praised Axar Patel, who won the Player of the Match award in the fourth T20I for his unbeaten 21 off 11 balls and for taking two wickets. The 39-year-old commended Axar’s bowling skills, saying:

“One thing I noticed about Axar is that batsmen are getting done on the inside, especially right-handers. Always, if you look at left-arm spinners bowling to right-handers, when they bowl quick, the ball comes inside like an arm ball. But for Axar, even when he bowls slower, the ball drops and comes in slowly like that.”

“Several times, Marsh tried to go over the covers, and Josh Inglis tried as well, but still the ball hit inside and went to the leg side.”

He continued, “So Axar’s beauty is in the changing of pace, but still not allowing the ball to go on the same line. Either the ball stops and spins a little, or the ball stops and comes inside on the same line. That makes it often a little tricky for the batsman, someone you cannot hit so easily.”

“The only challenge the Indian spin bowling attack might have in India is where the match is being played and how small the ground is. That is the only thing that will dictate how it goes,” he added.

India and Australia will return to action for the final T20I on Saturday, November 8, at The Gabba in Brisbane.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-i-happy-surya-s-10-ball-20-legendary-spinner-s-huge-statement-india-s-captain-knock-aus-vs-ind-2025-4th-t20i

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Tag Archives: ravichandran ashwin

“I’m really worried for Sai Sudharsan” – Indian legend’s huge statement on team selection after IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

“Cameron Green is a no” – Legendary spinner makes huge claim ahead of IPL 2026 auction

“I am happy with Surya’s 10-ball 20” – Legendary spinner’s huge statement on India’s captain knock in AUS vs IND 2025 4th T20I