Ravichandran Ashwin passionately endorses the selection of South African pacer Ottniel Baartman over leftarm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi for the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India. The decisive clash is poised to unfold at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday June 29.
The experienced Indian spinner noted that, while Tabraiz Shamsi has a penchant for taking wickets, he also leaks a lot of runs. Ashwin stated that if Shamsi is in the playing XI, the Indian hitters will counter him with the sweep.
Ravichandran Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel:
“(Tabraiz) Shamsi is one bowler who will go for sweeps. And India has been sweeping. Adil Rashid, (Liam) Livingstone was slightly quicker through the area. They were able to take 39 runs along with Jordan and Sam Curran. I see this as a very important match-up. And hence, I believe South Africa should seriously consider playing (Ottniel) Baartman ahead of Shamsi for the final.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Tabraiz Shamsi has 11 wickets in four games at an economy rate of 7.37 in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Baartman, on the other side, has six wickets in five games and averages 4.94 runs per over.
“In India’s current batting approach, even if he takes a wicket, it’s not a big deal” – Robin Uthappa on Tabraiz Shamsi
In the same video, Robin Uthappa expressed similar feelings to Ravichandran Ashwin. He believes that India would rather face Tabraiz Shamsi than Ottniel Baartman in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
The former keeper-batsman remarked that Shamsi taking a wicket or two will not affect India because the Men in Blue batters may target him and score quickly during his period.
“As far as I am concerned, if Shamsi is playing, I will be damn happy, especially in Barbados. And if Baartman is playing, I will be like, we have to be a little wary. Who would I prefer among these two? Definitely, Shamsi. I know that he will give runs. Even if he takes a wicket, I don’t care. If he takes 40-45-50 runs, I am done. Because in India’s current batting approach, even if he takes a wicket, it’s not a big deal.”
Robin Uthappa
It is worth noting that Tabraiz Shamsi has only seven wickets from 12 T20Is versus India, with an economy rate of 8.46.