Patil selected Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal because the three spinners. Shastri mentioned even 4 spinners could be an choice, with Axar Patel being the fourth one. Prasad on his half advocated the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin, however Shastri disagreed.

“I still fancy my thing for Ashwin’s inclusion. Because you are playing in Asian conditions. He is one guy who can be effective against left-hand batters. Australia is filled with left-hand batters. We have seen that. Ashwin will be useful He is in best state of mind. He is at the right age. Especially, if we are plating in Sri Lanka and India,” MSK Prasad mentioned on ESPNCricinfo.

“Only thing is running back of my mind is the experience of Ashwin. It can be handy. Do you require two wrist spinners? That is one area which I am thinking. Jadeja, Chahal and even Axar are of similar style…. the ball going out…What about left-handers. If he misses out we will miss him.”

To that argument, Shastri mentioned: “I think it’s Kuldeep’s job to sort out the left-handers.”

But MSK Prasad went on to say: “That’s the option we have now. But statistically also, best of the left handers struggled against him. Let’s not forget we are playing in India and Sri Lanka which suits his bowling.” 

Then Shastri mentioned: “Sometimes this left-hander, right-hander thing is little overplayed. To be honest, I got out enough left-handers as a left-arm spinner.  This theory of lefties can’t bowl to lefties is I think bullshit. By that theory, off-spinners can’t bowl to right handers.”

India play Pakistan of their first Asia Cup match on September 2.