Former Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the greatest spinners in the world, believes that two spinners will be enough in India's playing 11 during the upcoming World Cup. Muthiah appeared strongly against the decision to have a third spinner in the team. India has included three left-arm spinners in the 15-member squad for the World Cup.
These include wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav along with orthodox spinner Ravindra Jadeja and Akshar Patel. Muralitharan said during a special interview with news agency PTI during a promotional event – You cannot feed three spinners in a team just to bring variation. You can only give a chance to two. Jadeja will play as an all-rounder and will be accompanied by another spinner.
Kuldeep and Jadeja's ideal combination
Muralitharan, who took a record 800 wickets in Tests, believes that Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will be an ideal combination in India's playing 11. He said, “You have to see what is the right combination. If the team management gives a chance to Jadeja and Kuldeep, then it is fine because you will have an off-spinner and a wrist spinner. On the debate over not including Yuzvendra Chahal in the 15-member Indian team, Muralitharan said. According to him, it is the right decision. Muralitharan feels it is the right decision as both Kuldeep and reserve spinner Akshar Patel are looking for a better touch than Chahal.
Muthaiya said this about Chahal and Ashwin
He said, "I don't know about the current form of (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Yuzvendra) Chahal. Don't judge a player's form from T20. T20 is different and ODI is different. You need to look at that as well. That Kuldeep and Akshar have done better than Chahal." Muralitharan said that Chahal could have got some help if he had played List A cricket. Chahal was selected for both ODIs and T20Is for the tour of the West Indies, where he was given a chance only in T20Is. However, he could not play in the domestic tournament, as the Deodhar Trophy tournament fell during the Caribbean tour.
'Chahal should play domestic tournaments
Muralitharan asked the question, "I don't mind his experience, but is Chahal playing domestic cricket? If not, how do you pick him? I think if he is not playing domestic ODI cricket, How can you pick him?" Chahal last played an ODI for India in January this year and Muralitharan said the selectors would have faced criticism if he had been picked.
'Whoever gets selected for the team is my first choice
Muralitharan said, "If Chahal hasn't played domestic and ODI cricket recently, you can't pick him. What if he doesn't perform? Everyone will ask the selectors why did you pick a player who hasn't played in the past. Having not played a single ODI in six months, Muthiah said that the three spinners who have been picked in the Indian team were the first three choices. "For me, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Kuldeep are the top three choices. Chahal will have to play and perform in the domestic ODI tournament only then he can make it into the team. If he doesn't play domestic tournaments and plays only IPL, then it is wrong.
Ashwin last played an ODI in January 2022 and Akshar has been a part of the 50-over set-up for some time now. Muralitharan said, “Maybe, the selectors thought that Akshar Patel has done well so Ashwin did not get a chance, but in terms of combination, having a left-arm spinner, an off-spinner, and a leg-spinner will always be there. It gets better.
'There is a lot of cricket left in Virat and Rohit'
Muralitharan said that there is a lot of cricket left in Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. "Kohli and Rohit are India's two best players and still they can play for some time. Why are you saying this World Cup will be their last? Virat is almost 34 years old now. He has the next five years to play," he said. This is the year of international cricket. Rohit is 36. The media can't say these guys are going to quit now. It's up to them to decide whether they have played enough cricket.
Muralitharan said that players have to make many sacrifices to win the World Cup and it would be wrong to expect good performance from only a few players in a team. He said, "Every cricketer will think that the World Cup will be one of the most important tournaments in their career. But playing in the World Cup is one thing, participating is one thing, and winning is a different thing. Everyone is eager to win.It is important for everyone. Not just for Virat and Rohit, it is a team game. You have to expect from everyone.
Muralitharan played in three World Cup finals
Muralitharan has played three ODI World Cup finals in his career. In 1996, his team won. After this, he was also a part of the Sri Lankan team that reached the finals in 2007 and 2011. He said the Asian teams will benefit from favorable conditions compared to England and Australia, winners of the last two editions. He said, "Last time England won at home, but now they are losing to New Zealand in T20. India and Pakistan will have a good chance. Sri Lanka is playing well and so is Bangladesh. Asian countries have good chances. have a chance.''
'India has a good chance to win the World Cup'
However, Muralitharan backed India to do better on home soil than others. “Every team has its strengths and weaknesses,” he said. The World Cup is something that no one can predict. It is very difficult when you get into the knockouts. All teams are good. They might have covered their bases from the recent matches, but if you ask me, India has a better chance since they are playing at home.
World Cup is starting from 5th October
Muralitharan, who took 800 wickets in Tests, 534 in ODIs, and 13 wickets in T20s, said that cricket would become boring if ODIs lose their relevance and gradually fade away. He said, "It depends on the ICC. They have to decide whether they want the teams to keep playing. If there is no ODI cricket then cricket will become boring." The ODI World Cup is going to start on October 5. The first match will be played between defending champions England and New Zealand in Ahmedabad. At the same time, the great match between India and Pakistan will be played in Ahmedabad on 14th October. The final will be held on 19 November.
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