Ashwin suggests key change for South Africa ahead of T20 World Cup final

Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction about South Africa’s left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, stating that he will be taken to the cleaners by Indian batters in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. The much-anticipated match is set to take place at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on Saturday.

In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin emphasized that if South Africa fields Shamsi, the Indian batters will have no trouble smashing him. He suggested that the Proteas should consider playing Ottniel Baartman instead.

"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.

Robin Uthappa, a former Indian batter, agreed with Ashwin's assessment. He expressed confidence that Shamsi would concede runs if he played in the final.

"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 added.