Ashwin questions Agarkar's decision on Champions Trophy move: '5 spinners in Dubai? I don't understand...'

India had a total of five spinners in the provisional squad for the upcoming tournament - two left-armers Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, along with one off-spinner Washington Sundar, one leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, and the newly added Varun Chakravarthy. This decision further heightened criticism as India had already received backlash for taking one less fast bowler, especially after losing Jasprit Bumrah to a back injury. The Ajit Agarkar-led committee opted to include Chakravarthy at the expense of batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was relegated to the reserves list.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin admitted being baffled at the selection changes made to the squad, as he reckoned India are carrying at lest two spinners extra.

"What I don't understand is the number of spinners we are taking to Dubai. 5 spinners and we have made Yashasvi Jaiswal sit out. Yeah I understand that we take 3 or 4 spinners for a tour. But 5 spinners in Dubai? I don't know."

"I think we are one spinner too many if not 2. The 2 left-arm spinners are your best all-rounders alongside Hardik Pandya. So both Axar and Jadeja are going to play. Hardik will also play and Kuldeep will play. If you want Varun Chakravarthy in the team, then you will have to make a pacer sit out and use Hardik as your second pacer. Else you will have to drop a spinner to bring in a 3rd seamer," said Ashwin.

'Are you expecting the ball to turn in Dubai?'

Ashwin backed Kuldeep to walk into the playing XI without any fret, but added that it would mean Varun would have to miss out on the opportunities. But the big question that as posed by the recently-retired star was whether India are expecting spin-friendly pitches in Dubai.

"I don't think there is any doubt that Kuldeep Yadav will walk into the team. So how will you make space for Varun. Is he bowling well? Of course. Either you bring in Varun and Kuldeep as a duo, which I feel would be good. But my question is, in Dubai, are you expecting the ball to turn? I feel a bit uncomfortable with the team," said Ashwin.

With no practice matches scheduled for India, the team will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh.

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