#EngvInd: Kohli Snubs Ashwin Again!

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and team management has been making selection blunders from the World Test Championship finals. Now for the fourth Test between England and India, world number two bowler Ravichander Ashwin has been snubbed yet again.

After the humiliating defeat against the hosts in the third Test, fans and cricket experts believed that Ashwin would be part of the playing eleven but it their utter shock it did not happen. Captain Kohli once again opted for Ravindra Jadeja over Ashwin. Jadeja has been that great with the ball in the series while with the bat he is partially effective.

Nevertheless Indian cricket fans and experts are furious at Kohli for ignoring a world class and match winner bowler. Popular commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “I really hope it works but I am flabbergasted that India have gone in without Ashwin again.”

Former England cricketer too was shocked. “The non selection of @ashwinravi99 has to be greatest NON selection we have ever witnessed across 4 Tests in the UK !!! 413 Test wickets & 5 Test 100s !!!! #ENGvIND Madness” while ex Australian cricketer Mark Waugh added, “Makes you wonder if the Indian think tank have any clue.#unfathomable.”

However, ex-Indian cricket Akash Chopra gave a diplomatic explanation for this. “It’s not Jadeja-the bowler that’s getting picked ahead of Ashwin in England…it’s the package that Jadeja is. And what’s in line with the balance of the side considering the 5-bowler strategy. Remember team-selection isn’t about justice…it’s about balance. #EngvInd,” tweeted Akash.

The fourth Test is being played at Oval and team India has a worst record at this venue. England won the toss and decided to bowl first.