T-20 World Cup: R Ashwin Has Been Rewarded For Reviving His White Ball Skills, Says Virat Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli on Saturday said that off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was included in the men's T20 World Cup squad due to him reviving his skills in white-ball cricket. He pointed out t

"It spoke volumes of what experience Bhuvi brings on the field. Just the understanding of hitting areas according to the dimensions of the field, what balls to bowl at what time and even the fact that he bowls lengths so well and consistently, which is not an easy thing to get away in T20 cricket. Especially with the new ball, it's quite an underrated thing."

"So, I think his experience and accuracy have always been priceless for the team. He is back to being at full fitness which augers really well for our team. I am sure that with the new ball, he will definitely get some kind of assistance through the tournament. Whatever little is there on offer, Bhuvi knows how to make the maximum use out of that. So, as I said, his experience is going to be priceless for us."

Kohli explained why young leg-spinner Rahul Chahar was preferred over an experienced Yuzvendra Chahal in the T20 World Cup squad. "It was a difficult and challenging call. But we decided to back Rahul Chahar. He has bowled amazingly well in the last couple of years in the IPL. A guy who bowls with pace, he did well really well in Sri Lanka and against England at home as well. He was someone who has bowled difficult overs. We believe going on in the tournament, wickets are going to get slower and slower."

"So, guys who bowl with a lot more pace will be able to trouble batsmen than the ones who give it air. Rahul definitely has those strengths naturally. He attacks stumps and bowls with pace along with that dip and balance. Not taking anything from Chahal. But with a limited number of spots, you can't fit all in the squad," signed off Kohli.