I’ll pick Ravichandran Ashwin against Pakistan just because of Saud Shakeel: Sunil Gavaskar

In an epic showdown at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, the Men in Blue are poised to face Pakistan in a high-stakes encounter at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday, October 14. Renowned Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his support behind the inclusion of  Ravichandran Ashwin, for the pivotal clash, hailing him as a tactically shrewd asset.

Gavaskar expressed his keenness to field Ashwin against Pakistan, highlighting how he can be a menace to southpaw batters. His focus lay on neutralizing Pakistan's middle-order batter, Saud Shakeel. The Tamil Nadu spinner was featured in India's inaugural 2023 World Cup match against Australia, securing a solitary wicket, thus reinforcing his case for the forthcoming high-stakes clash against Pakistan. 

“I'll pick Ashwin for the simple reason that there is Saud Shakeel in the side. He is in the middle order now and he is the kind of player who can take Pakistan from a dire situation to a safer spot. He is the guy against whom you need a clever bowler,” said Gavaskar while speaking with India Today.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

‘Ashwin is clever, tests you mentally as well’ – Gavaskar lauds Ashwin’s tactical ability

The 74-year-old continued to shower praise on Ashwin calling him a shrewd bowler, lauding his ability to put pressure on the adversary. The carrom ball specialist's inclusion as a replacement for the injured Axar Patel is being considered crucial. The 1983 World Cup champion underlined Ashwin's value with the bat, asserting that he could comfortably slot in at number 8, contributing vital late-inning runs. 

“I'm not saying just because he is an off-spinner who will turn the ball against the left-hander, but Ashwin is clever. Ashwin tests you mentally as well. And I would want to have him in the team because he can keep the pressure. If needed at number 8, he can give you those 20-30 runs and have a partnership to make a difference,” Gavaskae added.

Also read: India vs Pakistan live updates