Will R Ashwin be part of playing XI? Netizens question Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri ahead of 3rd Test against England

India got the whole world talking as they defeated England at the 'Mecca of Cricket' - Lord's - by 151 runs in the 2nd Test. The Indian pacers led a spirited comeback to win the second Test after India had set a target of 271 in the fourth innings. 

Ajinkya Rahane-Cheteshwar Pujara and Jasprit Bumrah-Mohammed Shami's partnerships were the cause of India's win with the bat. 

As Team India are all set to face England in the 3rd Test at Headingley in Leeds, one question that is now running in everyone's mind is will Ravichandran Ashwin be part of the playing XI.

The ace spinner was not included in the squad for the first two Test matches and Ravindra Jadeja was chosen above him as the all-rounder.

However now the pitch at Headingley for the third Test devoid of grass could see R Ashwin make the cut, but netizens are still asking Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri if he will be part of the squad.

So, a little less grass on the surface at Leeds. Is it the Ind pace quartet’s impact on the hosts? Throws a little selection dilemma for Team India. Play Ashwin for Jadeja? Then you must play Shardul too. Which fast bowler goes out then? All of them almost undroppable… #EngvInd

— Wear a Mask. Stay Safe, India (@cricketaakash) August 25, 2021

Kohli/Shastri dilemma: Should India retain 4-pronged pace attack for Leeds Test or induct R Ashwin in the playing XI? Also Shardul Thakur is fit, but who can he replace from the fast bowlers?

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 25, 2021

Bold Prediction -

- Virat Kohli Scored his 71st today
- Ashwin will play
- Pujara with big impactful inning
- spinners take 5 wickets in match (For india)

— Maulik Vadariya (@MaulikVadariya) August 25, 2021

#IndvsEng a point in case for #Ashwin to get a look in the 3rd test, given the fact the last time #TeamIndia played here in 2002 & also won by an innings had two spinners in the playing 11.

— Rakesh Srivastava (@Rakeshjampot) August 25, 2021

Ashwin importance to the team is like 'Chudail' of Stree movie. Invisible but everyone after her. #IndvsEng #Ashwin #Cricket #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/DFOksJ5qV1

— Patel Praris (@patel_praris) August 25, 2021

With nearly half of the Eng team being lefties..Hopefully we get to see you in the playing 11 today @ashwinravi99 .. Atleast..#ENGvIND

— Sandeep Konda (@San7Sandeep) August 25, 2021

As for Kohli, he said he sees no reason to change the playing XI that won the second Test. "We have got no reason to change anything unless people have niggles which we haven't encountered since we finished the last Test," said Kohli according to IANS.

"Obviously, you don't want to disturb or interrupt a winning combination especially if the team has achieved such an incredible win in the second Test and is even more excited to take the field again," added Kohli.

However, talking about R Ashwin, the spinner may get to play because of the pitch. "As far as Ashwin playing in concerned we are quite surprised to see the pitch the way it was. We could see a lot of surfaces which honestly I did not expect would be the case. I thought there would be lot of grass on the pitch. It will be more spicy and lively. But it won't be the case," said Kohli.

"So anything is possible. We always name a 12 and then on the day we have a look at the pitch and what it could become on Day 3 and Day 4 and accordingly we will go in with the right combination," added Kohli.