Rohit Sharma says R Ashwin always gives opportunities for wickets in the middle phase

Indian spinner R Ashwin has been one of the stars of his comeback in the shortest format after four years, as India, led by Rohit Sharma, won the T20I series against New Zealand. In his five games since returning to the team, Ashwin has taken 9 wickets.

Rohit said Ashwin is the best option for the team as an attacking option after the third T20I in Kolkata. “He (Ashwin) is always an option for his captain in terms of attacking. Having someone like him in the squad always gives you the opportunity to take wickets in the middle, and we know how crucial the middle phase is. That’s where you should stop the run-rate and try to keep taking wickets. In the middle, Ashwin and Axar (Patel) provide that,” Rohit said at the post-match press conference after New Zealand were beaten 3-0. At the 2021 T20 World Cup, Ashwin did not play against Pakistan and New Zealand, the two matches India lost, but made it back into the squad after Washington Sundar’s injury. Ashwin did not play in the Kolkata T20, which was a dead rubber.

“It’s been an amazing comeback for him. He has proven to be a quality bowler ever since he played at the T20 World Cup in Dubai and until now. In the two games he played in Dubai and here, Rohit has shown the quality that he possesses,” Rohit said. Ashwin is part of the Test squad for the series against New Zealand, which kicks off on 25 November in Kanpur and concludes in Mumbai.