Azhar unhappy with board's decision to rest Ashwin, Jadeja for Australia series

New Delhi, Sep 12: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has expressed displeasure over BCCI selection committee's decision to rest premier spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia.

The legendary batsman felt that the senior spinners should have been picked up for the challenging ODI series against a tough opponent like Australia.

"I can understand if both Ashwin and Jadeja are rested for the Sri Lankan series. But when India are playing against a team like Australia, your best spinners should be used. After all, you are playing at home and on wickets that suit them. They should have been given a chance to play the Australian series," Azhar was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Azhar opined the County experience will help Ashwin but he should have been a part of the side when they are playing at home.

While referring to his County experience when he scored nearly 2,500 runs in one season in the early 1990s the Hyderabadi cricketer said, "It's good that Ashwin is playing in the County Championship. The County stint will do a world of good to his confidence. But if I were a captain, I would definitely make Ashwin and Jadeja play in the Australia series at home."

Azhar also praised India skipper Virat Kohli for leading the team by example. "Kohli is focused, mentally strong, maintains good fitness level and talented. All these elements are then backed by some good performances which makes a lethal combo for the opposition," he said.

The legendary skipper also felt that left-handed middle-order batsman Suresh Raina should have been a part of the Indian side against Australia.

"Raina should come back into the ODI team. He has the experience and a good track record," he added.