Kuldeep has been treated unfairly, feels Ashwin

If there is one thing R. Ashwin knows all too well, it is the challenge of finding a place in the XI overseas, where conditions favour fast bowlers.

Having played in just one Test across two tours of New Zealand, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format is no stranger to that predicament. As the Men in Blue prepare for another tour, Ashwin believes Kuldeep Yadav could face a similar selection dilemma in the T20Is, with Varun Chakaravarthy likely to be preferred again.

The 40-year-old feels the left-arm wrist spinner has been “treated unfairly” by the current think-tank. “Kuldeep hasn’t been the go-to man ever since this management has come to picking squads, and I think it’s quite unfortunate,” Ashwin said during a virtual media interaction.

Referring to Kuldeep’s exploits in India’s recent series against the West Indies, he said: “With so much dew, and when you know the conditions are against the bowler, to pin it upon one bowler who’s produced results over the years is really unfair.”

While Varun is returning from injury and is yet to regain his best form and fitness, Ashwin expects him to be the preferred one. “I think Varun will get the nod ahead of Kuldeep once again,” he said.

“It’ll be interesting to watch how he comes back from his injury, and side strains aren’t easy for a spinner. I wish him the best and I hope both of them get opportunities to explore their skill in that part of the world,” he added.

For Kuldeep, however, the challenge may not be so much about adapting to New Zealand conditions as getting the opportunity to bowl in them.

On India’s batting approach, Ashwin opined the Black Caps could challenge the visitors by preparing more demanding surfaces.

“If I were New Zealand, I would give slightly challenging pitches to India. But unfortunately, I am not,” he said, adding that he expects the white-ball leg to be high-scoring.

(Watch India’s tour of New Zealand live and exclusive on Sony Sports and LIV starting October 22).