Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s future in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy seems uncertain as Washington Sundar takes the lead, favored for his all-round abilities.
Veteran Spinners Benched Amid Team Transition
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, the stalwarts of India’s spin attack, might not feature in the remaining Border-Gavaskar Tests against Australia.
Former BCCI selector Devang Gandhi’s analysis highlights that Washington Sundar is now the preferred option.
“I do feel that the current form has been taken into consideration. The Indian team management wanted to go in with a team that had confidence and did not exactly look at the past records. Washy bowled well against New Zealand and is a reliable lower middle-order batter. So, it does make sense Gandhi told PTI.
Despite their combined tally of 855 Test wickets, age and inconsistent overseas performances weigh against Ashwin and Jadeja.
At 38 and 36 years old, their opportunities in a younger Indian team led by Gautam Gambhir are diminishing rapidly.
The duo’s lack of impactful overseas performances is another concern.
Ashwin’s last standout performance in SENA countries was in 2021, with figures of 4/55.
Gandhi pointed out that the team’s focus in Australian conditions is on restricting runs, with Sundar’s steady bowling and batting proving vital.
“In Australian conditions, you want a restrictive option. This is not to say that Washy can’t be attacking but India’s bowling game plan will revolve around Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana. If Mohammed Shami is included at later stages then he too. So a spinner’s job will be to give respite to these speed merchants and bowl one line,” Gandhi said.
“Also, you need to be a steady batter. He did well in Brisbane last series and also looked good in Perth during the second essay. He batted well in Canberra. He is going to be the first choice.”
Washington Sundar’s Rise in Overseas Tests
Washington Sundar’s remarkable rise in Test cricket has overshadowed Ashwin and Jadeja.
“This is a very generic idea that you need off-spinners if there are left-handers. You need off-spinners even more when you are bowling to right-handers. Remember Moeen and his line just a shade outside the off-stump. You get bounce and outside edge comes into play. Slight hint of turn, inside edge also,” added Gandhi.
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His performance against New Zealand and contributions in Perth, where pacers dominated, have solidified his position.
In just two Tests against New Zealand, Sundar claimed 16 wickets compared to Ashwin’s nine in three matches.
Moreover, Sundar’s batting technique gives him an edge, especially in overseas conditions.
He proved his mettle during the Brisbane and Perth Tests, adding valuable lower-order runs.
Gandhi emphasized that Sundar’s skills suit India’s game plan in Australia, where fast bowlers dominate, and spinners play a supporting role.
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