Goa, April 21 -- Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has firmly opposed the idea of fielding a second-string Indian side in T20 internationals, arguing that the prestige of wearing the India jersey must remain intact.

Speaking on his show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin reacted to growing discussions about India potentially splitting squads due to a congested international calendar later this year. The debate has intensified because the Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, may overlap with India's home T20I series against West Indies starting October 6.

While some reports suggest India could send a separate squad featuring emerging IPL performers, Ashwin pushed back strongly against the concept.

"What is the value of the Ind...