Michael Clarke believes India have huge weapons in the form of Ashwin and Jadeja

The Ravi’s of Indian cricket have caused chaos in the Indian home test season to plenty a batsman- including the in-form batsman Steve Smith and the English batsman Joe Root. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be the key weapons for Virat Kohli’s Indian team in the Champions Trophy that starts in England this June.

Clarke spoke to India Today where he stressed the importance of the two bowlers in India’s bid to defend their title.

“Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are going to be two huge weapons for India in England depending on the weather conditions there. If they are getting good summer, the wickets will be dry and I think spin will play a part. Even if it swings there, I think India have got quality fast bowlers whom they can utilise,” Clarke told India Today.

Clarke, also believed that that Indian Premier League is a good learning experience for the youngsters. Further, he added that India has the firepower to defend their crown, adding that the team has good players, who are in the purple patch at the moment.

Additionally, the Australian feels that KL Rahul’s loss would be a major worry in the team’s bid to retain the title. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are likely to feature for the side at the top of the order in the place of the injured duo Murali Vijay and KL Rahul, but the Australian feels that Rahane would get the nod ahead of the Mumbaikar with his ability to play well in the swinging conditions.

“I think if KL Rahul is not completely fit, India will not pick him. It is a big loss but India have got replacements. I think Rohit Sharma needs to play and open for India. And then I think the selectors will go for Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane’s technique if the ball is swinging is conducive to England, he is a good player of both fast and spin and offers a lot on the field.”

“No brainer at No.3… Virat Kohli as captain, Yuvraj Singh at No.4. I think Yuvraj has earned his place, he is experienced. I would go with MS Dhoni at No.5. He is experienced and he’s still the best keeper in the Indian team. At No.6, I would pick Manish Pandey and then Kedar Jadhav at No.7.

He concluded saying that the pace contingent would consist of the leader in the form of Umesh Yadav followed by Jasprit Bumrah and the Bengal pacer Mohammed Shami. However, things look different at the current moment, with Bhuvaneshwar Kumar peaking into the right form at the right time just ahead of the all-important trophy in England.