Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has identified Sahan Arachchige as a player Sri Lanka should consider for the two-Test series against India, highlighting the left-hander’s batting ability against spin.
“If I had even a little say in Sri Lanka Cricket, I would definitely look at Sahan Arachchige,” Ashwin said during a preview of the Test series.
Ashwin said Sri Lanka could benefit from having a quality left-handed batter capable of countering India’s spin attack, particularly Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
He praised Arachchige’s batting and positive approach, recalling his experience seeing the Sri Lankan during A team cricket.
Ashwin also suggested Sri Lanka could consider using Dinesh Chandimal as wicketkeeper if it allowed them to bring an additional quality left-handed batter such as Arachchige into the playing XI.
While Arachchige can also provide an off-spin option, Ashwin indicated that it was primarily his batting that made him an interesting choice against India.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and India begins in Galle on August 15. (Newswire)