IND vs SA: R Ashwin suggests South Africa to drop star bowler in T20 World Cup final vs India

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IND vs SA: Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested South Africa to drop their star spinner Tabraiz Shamsi in their T20 World Cup 2024 final match against India at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.

Ashwin has reckoned that Tabraiz Shamsi could stand a chance of being swept handsomely by India batters. The veteran off-spinner said that Shamsi could end up leaking a lot of runs against India, and therefore South Africa should instead pick right-arm pacer Ottneil Baartman in the playing eleven.

"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 get 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," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Robin Uthappa also talked on similar lines. The former opener explained to Ashwin that he would be very happy if Tabraiz Shamsi is South Africa's playing eleven against India in the final of T20 World Cup 2024. Uthappa reckoned that Shamsi would go for runs even if he takes a wicket or two.

"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 between 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," Uthappa said on Ashwin's show 'Judgement Day'.

Tabraiz Shamsi has been one of the standout bowlers for South Africa in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup. He has picked 11 wickets in just four matches at an average of 9.27 and an economy rate of 7.37.