RP Singh, Ashish Nehra backs Ashwin to play the remainder of the series 

Ashwin (L) and Chahal (R) during a practice session. (PC- Twitter)

Former Indian pacers RP Singh and Ashish Nehra back Ravichandran Ashwin to retain his spot, with Yuzvendra Chahal to be rested in the remaining two T20Is of the ongoing series between India and South Africa.

Replacing Chahal in the first T20I of the three-match series, Ashwin made an impressive comeback for the Men in Blue on Wednesday (September 28). Playing against the Proteas, he bowled an extremely economical spell of in the first T20I in Thiruvananthapuram. He gave away only eight runs in his four overs, which also included a maiden, but failed to bag a wicket.

It is pertinent to mention that Ashwin, who is in India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2022, was benched for the entirety of India's last home series against Australia. Prior to the start of the series, there were doubts about whether India will give enough game time leading up to the world cup as he's no more a first-choice spinning option for India.

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RP, Nehra on the same page

Speaking about the same in a panel discussion, RP Singh and Ashish Nehra raised their voice in support of having Ashwin in the playing eleven for the remainder of the series. 

"India should not look to make any changes. One problem that is currently a concern is the lack of a sixth bowler. The combination in the first T20I was fine, with Ashwin in there. If you have included a senior player in the team. Now the purpose of including such a player is to obviously play him," said RP Singh. 

"I want Axar and Ashwin to continue in this series. So, India should not make any changes. The team are looking at Axar as a batting option in the lower middle order as well and Ashwin has only played one match. Chahal has played plenty of matches. So, irrespective of the conditions the same team should play again," said Ashish Nehra.

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