The omission of R Ashwin for the 5th Test against England is quizzed by former Pakistan. According to him, the off-spinner could have been impactful by exploiting the patches on the wicket.
The Day 4 of the contest witnessed the dismissal of India on 245 in their second innings, the hosts were 259 for three while chasing 378.
Criticizing India’s decision to leave out Ashwin from the playing XI, Kaneria said he failed to understand the logic behind the decision.
“I just can’t understand the logic of leaving out a world-class bowler like Ashwin. This is the summer season in England and Rahul Dravid knows about the conditions. He has played a lot of cricket here, both for India and in county cricket as well.”
“E4veryone knows that during the summer, wickets start helping the spinners on Day 2 and Day 3. Even, there are patches on the wicket, which Ashwin could have used for his benefit. India are missing him in the ongoing game,” he added.
Kaneria opined that the match has gone out of India’s hands. “The game is almost over for India.”