In India’s last two matches of the World Cup, Indian veteran spinner R Ashwin has been on the sidelines despite having had productive outing in India’s opening game of the World Cup against Australia on October (8). Ashwin had played in India’s first game against Australia in the World Cup where he took one wicket from his ten overs after leaking (34) runs. One of his overs was also maiden. Since the match against Australia, India have played two matches against Afghanistan and Pakistan respectively but R Ashwin was not played in any of the two matches. Speaking during the press conference ahead of India’s game against Bangladesh on (Thursday), Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey showered praises on R Ashwin for not being “grumpy” after not being included in the playing XI.

“It’s a really tough one. When you have a world-class bowler ( like Ashwin) in your 15, and you are unable to give him a game. It’s a tough call and you have to take such calls. I think the conversation has always been team-centric. All the decisions that we have taken, not only before this game but over the last few years are based on the team. We go with the side that’s best for the surface, and the best combination. And in that sense, he has been a great lad, he understands that. He is a great team guy,” said Mhambrey during the press conference.

"I have never seen him grumpy, never seen him complaining anytime for any of the last few years that he has been with us. Having someone like that really helps. And I think credit goes to him. Even after so many years, he is there, he wants to do well for the team, he turns up every practice session, goes through the rigours, and he keeps bowling. He is a great team man. I must compliment that,” Mhambrey added.