R Ashwin came back into ODI plans but did nothing much: Manjrekar slams India spinner after series defeat

India tour of South Africa: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar said that veteran off-spinner R Ashwin did not contribute much despite returning to the ODI fold.

Former batter Sanjay Manjrekar has signaled out R Ashwin's return in ODI set up as one of the reasons behind India's shambolic 3-0 series defeat against South Africa. KL Rahul-led India suffered a 4-run defeat in the third and final ODI against South Africa in Cape Town to slip to a 3-0 series whitewash.

Ashwin returned to the Indian ODI side after a gap of four years but failed to put on impressive performances in the two games he played in South Africa. Ashwin returned with the figures of 1/53 and 0/68 in the first two ODIs between India and South Africa.

"Ashwin strangely came back into India’s ODI plans for some reason. India paid a price for that. He played the two crucial games, did nothing much. (Yuzvendra) Chahal is also under the scanner. Prasidh Krishna needs to be backed a bit more. Also, in 50-overs, Mohammed Shami could be a good option," Manjrekar said to ESPNCricinfo.

Manjrekar also said Bhuvneshwar Kumar's time with the national side is all but over, as the senior pacer has been far from his best for quite a while now.

"Bowling wise, Bhuvneshwar Kumar had given signs even before this series that he is finding it difficult to get back to his best. I guess that issue is closed after seeing his performance in the series. And Deepak Chahar, the one ball to get Janneman Malan, should tell selectors that he is a better option," Manjrekar added.

"The way the match ended sums up the whole trip to India. It has to be one of the poorest Indian tours to South Africa. That’s how it was destined to be. It just wasn’t India’s time in South Africa. It is a bad loss," Manjrekar concluded.