The legendary spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, once key to India’s Test bowling attack, may not be seen in action for the remainder of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia after being overlooked for the first Test. Perth.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be left out for young spin all-rounder Washington Sundar in the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia, despite amassing 855 wickets in Test cricket, according to former India selector Devang Gandhi.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to miss entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have excelled on home soil, but their overseas stats are less impressive and they are also advancing in age – 38 and 36 respectively – leaving them behind Washington Sundar.
Washington Sundar’s strong recent performances, including his 16 in two Tests against New Zealand, have cemented his place in India’s Playing XI.
Devang Gandhi told PTI, “I feel that the current form has been considered. The Indian team management wanted to go with a team that was confident and not exactly looking at past records. Washy batted well against New Zealand and is a reliable lower-middle order batter. So it makes sense.”
With India focusing on a pace-heavy bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, Devang Gandhi suggested that the spinner’s role becomes secondary in Australian conditions, mainly to give the pacers pause and keep the pressure on.
Ravichandran Ashwin-Ravindra Jadeja will stand in for Washington Sundar in the Australian tour
Washington Sundar’s ability to provide economic spells and help with the bat makes him an invaluable asset in Australia’s tough conditions. So, if Sundar doesn’t falter, Ravindra Jadeja with a superior batting record could be up front if the opportunity arises in the ongoing Test series.
Gandhi further explained: “In Australian conditions you want restrictive choice. That’s not to say that Washy (Washington Sundar) can’t attack, but India’s bowling game plan will revolve around Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana. If Mohammad Shami is included in the later stages, he too.
So the spinner’s job will be to give these speed traders a reprieve and draw a line. In addition, you must have a stable inclination. He performed well in the last Brisbane series and also looked good in Perth during the second essay. Batted well in Canberra. He will be the first choice.”
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If you have left-handers, you need off-spinners: Devang Gandhi
However, the move to a younger Indian squad is a clear sign that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s time in the whites may be coming to an end, as Gandhi claimed amid the thrilling BGT 2024-25 action.
He signed off by saying, “It’s a very general idea that if you have left-handers, you need off-spinners. When bowling right-handers, you need more off-spinners. Remember Moeen and his line just a shade outside off stump. You bounce and the outside edge comes into play. Slight turn mark, inside edge too.”
The Indian cricket team is currently gearing up for the second Test against Australia after taking a 1-0 lead in the ongoing 295-run Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The action now shifts to the Adelaide Oval, where they will play a round-the-clock Test from December 6.
