T20 World Cup: Kapil Dev gives a verdict on R Ashwin's form

Veteran India spinner R Ashwin is enjoying a good return to the Indian limited-overs set-up. After being out of the side for a long time, the off-spinner returned to the T20 fold during last year’s T20 World Cup and since then, he has become a regular member featuring in India’s Playing XI. The management has also shown their faith in Ashwin’s capabilities, so much so that Yuzvendra Chahal – India’s 1st wrist-spinner is sitting on the bench and he is yet to play a single game in the ongoing World Cup as well.

Meanwhile, R Ashwin, who was chosen over Chahal has so far played all five Super 12 matches for India picking up six wickets at a good economy. However, former India captain Kapil Dev is not impressed with Ashwin’s abilities in T20I cricket. During a discussion, he shared that even though the India spinner has picked up wickets, he is lacking confidence and belief now. In fact, Kapil Dev even added that some of the wickets which Ashwin took mostly came because of batsmen’s faults.

READ MORE: T20 World Cup: ‘Looking forward to the semifinals’ – Babar Azam

“Until now, Ashwin hasn’t given me the confidence. He picked up wickets today but it didn’t look as if he got them. In fact, batsmen iss tarah out huye ki unhe khud bhi 1-2 wickets lete huye sharam aa rahi thi (Some of the batsmen got out in a way that Ashwin himself couldn’t believe it). He was hiding his face. Picking up wickets obviously gives you that confidence but the Ashwin we know, we haven’t seen him show the same rhythm,” Kapil Dev said on ABP News.

Meanwhile, R Ashwin is likely to do well in India’s semifinal match against England at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. But as far as the Ashwin vs Chahal debate is concerned, Kapil Dev feels that Chahal could be in the team as well.

“It depends on the team management. If they have the confidence on Ashwin, it’s good. He has played the entire tournament so he can adjust if need be. But if you want to surprise the opposition, they can always turn to the wrist-spinner (Chahal). Whoever wins the confidence of the management and captain, will play,” concluded Kapil Dev.