Chappell reasons out why India need Ashwin in XI

New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI): The legendary Ian Chappell feels the Indian selectors must prioritise finding a way to “tweak” the team’s middle order to accommodate the proven R Ashwin in the playing XI.
The former Australian captain’s contention is that the veteran off-spinner all-rounder has proved himself as a “fine bowler in all conditions” and deserves a place in the team.
“India’s best combination includes R Ashwin. He is a fine bowler under all conditions, as he proved in Australia, so India need to find a way to fit him into the XI,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo. “Tweaking the Indian middle order to accommodate the skills of Ashwin should be a priority for the selectors,” he added. Chappell said the Indian team has got “substantial depth”, something that makes them the formidable outfit that they are at the moment, adding that the thought that they can still improve is scary.
“There’s no doubt that India are a very good all-round team. They have conclusively proved it by winning consecutive series in Australia and now having had success in England, albeit COVID-affected, while they are virtually unbeatable at home.
“It’s a scary thought for the other Test sides that Virat Kohli’s highly successful team can be improved.”
The Indian team management preferred the left-spinner all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja over Ashwin in the Test matches in England.
The presence of Jadeja, Ashwin, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant together will make for a very strong lower middle order, the Australian great said.
“In trying to find a balance between the right and left-hand batters in the middle order at The Oval, they may have inadvertently stumbled on the solution – Ravindra Jadeja at No. 5.”
London’s Oval was the venue for the fourth Test between India and England.