Ravichandran Ashwin has pushed back against the proposal of splitting India’s T20I setup into two separate squads, arguing that senior national caps should not be treated as something to be handed out casually. The veteran spinner believes a better route for giving opportunities is through India A tours, which can also be showcased to keep the value of representing the country at the highest level intact.
Key takeaways
- Ashwin rejected the notion of creating a second India T20I team, stressing that an India cap carries meaning and pride.
- He said players seeking exposure should be sent on India A tours rather than being given senior caps without the same weight.
- His comments came while discussions circulated about schedule clashes linked to home T20Is versus West Indies and the Asian Games window.
- Ashwin also questioned playing a “B-team” style XI, particularly against associate nations, using emerging IPL names as examples.
- After the IPL, he pointed to an India international run beginning with a one-off Test and three ODIs versus Afghanistan in June.
Ashwin calls for preserving the value of the India cap
Speaking on “Ash Ki Baat”, Ashwin dismissed the idea of distributing senior India T20I caps freely. In his view, the India cap should command respect because it represents the pride of playing for a large fanbase and carrying the expectations that come with wearing the national badge.
He argued that a player’s motivation is shaped by the moment of making a debut in front of supporters and the opportunity to represent the wider public who follow Indian cricket closely. Ashwin also noted that debuts in modern times can sometimes lose their impact if they happen in isolated ways, as people may quickly move on and forget the significance.
The former India spinner then made a direct point about how to create pathways for emerging talent. If the aim is exposure, he said, the system should rely on India A tours. He added that India A matches should also be broadcast so fans can watch and engage with the next tier of players, while still ensuring that senior international caps remain something valued and earned.
Why the “two teams” idea is being discussed
Ashwin’s comments landed amid media reports that India’s management is considering splitting the shortest-format set-up into two separate teams. The primary factor cited in those discussions was the possibility of a crowded calendar, especially with India hosting West Indies in T20Is from October 6 to 17, and the Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 6—creating a potential overlap in commitments.
Ashwin was particularly critical of the concept of a second-string India side, especially when it would involve matches against associate opponents. He referenced the type of players such a squad could feature—names like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, and Prabhsimran Singh among others—highlighting his belief that a T20I “B team” approach risks diluting the importance of senior caps.
India’s schedule after the IPL
With the IPL completed, India are expected to have a significant amount of T20 cricket available, even as attention begins shifting toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. India’s international calendar is set to restart with a one-off Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan, scheduled from June 6 to June 20.
Following that, India will play two T20Is in Ireland between June 26 and June 28. They then have a run of five T20Is against England beginning July 1 and continuing through July 11, after which they proceed to a three-match ODI series.
From July 23 to July 26, India are scheduled to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match T20I series. After that, the team will return home for three ODIs against West Indies, before moving to a five-match T20I series versus the same opposition from October 6 to October 17.
India will then wrap up the year with both formats at home against Sri Lanka, playing three ODIs and three T20Is from December 13 to December 27.
