Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that South Africa should consider dropping their star spinner Tabraiz Shamsi in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against India on Saturday.
Ashwin supported pace bowler Ottniel Baartman instead of Shamsi due to Indian batters’ strength against spinners, particularly the sweep shot.
“[Tabraiz] Shamsi is one bowler who will go for sweeps. And India has been sweeping. Adil Rashid, [Liam] Livingstone was slightly quicker through the area. They were able to get 39 runs along with Jordan and Sam Curran,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“I see this as a very important match-up. And hence, I believe South Africa should seriously consider playing [Ottniel] Baartman ahead of Shamsi for the final.”
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
Former Indian batter Robbin Uthappa also voiced a similar opinion as Ravichandran Ashwin, stating that he would be happy to see Shamsi playing.
“As far as I am concerned, if Shamsi is playing, I will be damn happy, especially in Barbados. And if Baartman is playing, I will be like, we have to be a little wary,” Uthappa said.
“Who would I prefer between these two? Definitely, Shamsi. I know that he will give runs. Even if he takes a wicket, I don’t care. If he takes 40-45-50 runs, I am done. Because in India’s current batting approach, even if he takes a wicket, it’s not a big deal.”
Tabraiz Shamsi has played four matches in the T20 World Cup so far, taking 11 wickets at an average of 9.27, whereas Ottniel Baartman has managed six wickets in five games at 15.66.
READ: Aiden Markram believes South Africa ‘can win from any position’