NEW DELHI: Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin backed India to resist making changes for the fourth T20I against England despite the team’s disastrous form, saying sticking with the same playing XI would send a strong message of stability – even if it means. Saint Samson missing once more.India’s tour of England has gone from a rebuilding opportunity to a fight for survival. After the opening match was washed out, England won the next two matches, including a crushing victory at Trent Bridge where India were bowled out for just 76, their heaviest defeat by runs in T20I history.With another loss in Bristol to hand England the series, the pressure has grown on captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Gautam Gambhir, while Samson’s omission has become one of the biggest talking points.
Ashwin backs XI unchanged despite Samson’s calls
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said India should resist the temptation to replace the side, even if the batting unit has struggled badly.“In my opinion, the same team should play in the fourth T20I as well. It will be a strong decision,” said Ashwin. “If we field the same team, then that’s something I’m really, really looking forward to watching. This will mean that Sanju will miss out again, but it will be a hell of a decision.”Samson, who played a key role in India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, remained on the sidelines, with youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi getting the nod. After India’s batting collapse in Nottingham, many former players and fans have called for Samson’s return.However, Ashwin believes that constantly changing the playing XI could create insecurity in the team.“I think in this situation, I really hope that the rest of the players don’t feel insecure. We should not put others in a similar situation as Samson. The team should get stability,” he said.“I hope they will return to form, but I really doubt it. As I said during the Ireland series, I really doubt a stunning comeback. I really doubt a comeback here in England too. There are still a couple more games. I think it will be a bit of fun to watch,” he added.
“This batting unit will get better with experience”
Ashwin admitted that he had expected England to dominate the series because of India’s inexperienced batting line-up and the very different conditions from the IPL.“I didn’t expect such a result at the start of Ireland’s series. But after the first T20I, I felt that Ireland could win the series. Against England, I felt from the start that they will win,” he said. “Everyone knows that India’s batting unit is young. IPL conditions are different. If there is something on the wicket and the conditions are different, India’s batting line-up will struggle.”Despite his concerns, the veteran spinner urged patience with the young side rather than wholesale changes.“This batting unit will get better with experience. Stability is important,” Ashwin said.India now enter the fourth T20I needing a win to keep the five-match series alive. While demands for Samson’s inclusion continue to grow following India’s batting failures, Ashwin believes the biggest priority is to support the current group through a difficult phase rather than making reactive changes.