Ravichandran Ashwin urged Mumbai Indians to play both Mitchell Santner and AM Ghazanfar together in Monday’s highly-anticipated encounter against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
He added that Mumbai do not have too many Indian spin-bowling options available to them. The former Indian off-spinner also suggested that left-arm seamer Ashwani Kumar should be brought into the lineup to give Jasprit Bumrah some support. Ashwin also mentioned that captain Hardik Pandya might not have too much trust in Mayank Rawat’s bowling skills, which is why he wasn’t used in the last game against the Punjab Kings, which Mumbai lost by seven wickets.
“MI don’t have too many Indian spin options. So they have to play both the spinners, Santner and Ghazanfar. Mayank Rawat played the last game but didn’t bowl a single over. It tells me the captain doesn’t trust that boy with the ball. Also, bring Ashwani Kumar in to give Bumrah some solidity,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Bumrah has not been at his best this season. In five matches, his economy rate is a decent 8.63, but the concerning fact is that he has failed to pick up a wicket.
Drop Phillips and bring Jason Holder in: Ashwin on Gujarat Titans’ potential XI
Ashwin also suggested a couple of changes in the Gujarat Titans’ side. In place of Glenn Phillips, the cricketer-turned-expert opined that Jason Holder could be picked. Also, if the Titans opt for a black soil wicket, he floated the idea of selecting a second spinner in Sai Kishore or Manav Suthar. Both of them are left-arm spinners who can also contribute with the bat.
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“They should still make a change in the overseas department. Drop Phillips and bring Jason Holder in. And if they are going to play on a black soil wicket against MI, a second spinner, either Sai Kishore or Manav Suthar, can play. GT’s strength is not their batting but their bowling,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
“Playing Rabada is fine, but bring Jason Holder for Phillips, and the team will be even more upgraded, as he is another good option with the new ball,” he concluded.
