New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin, a cricketing legend with 536 Test wickets, faces an uncertain future in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The veteran spinner may not feature in the remaining matches unless conditions demand the inclusion of two spinners. With the pitches in Australia favoring seam and bounce, Ashwin’s prospects look bleak unless Washington Sundar, the team management’s preferred spinner, underperforms. Even in that scenario, Ravindra Jadeja, with superior batting credentials in overseas conditions, is likely to be prioritized.
Current Selection Dynamics
Former selector Devang Gandhi believes that the Indian management, led by Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma, has chosen to prioritize current form over past records. “The team is looking for confidence, not just historical performances,” Gandhi said. He added that Washington Sundar’s recent contributions with both bat and ball make him a more favorable option. Sundar performed well against New Zealand recently and offers stability in the lower middle order.
The team’s combination seems set, with the bowling strategy revolving around pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana. If Mohammed Shami returns later in the series, the role of the spinner will largely be to provide respite for the fast bowlers by maintaining a consistent line and length.
Ashwin’s Struggles in SENA Conditions
Ashwin’s record in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries highlights his challenges. In 43 completed innings, he has claimed 71 wickets with a strike rate of 83.7 and best figures of 4/55, achieved during the 2021 Adelaide Day/Night Test. Despite his brilliance, Ashwin has yet to register a five-wicket haul in these regions.
Gandhi also pointed out that age could be a factor. “With age, the shoulder strength diminishes, and the bite off the surface also reduces,” he noted. Comparatively, Sundar, being younger, extracts more bounce and zip, which suits Australian pitches.
Jadeja’s Edge Over Ashwin
While Jadeja’s bowling numbers in SENA conditions are comparable to Ashwin’s—52 wickets in 35 innings with a similar strike rate of 83.7—his batting sets him apart. Jadeja has scored five half-centuries and a century in these countries, averaging nearly 30, while Ashwin has managed only two fifties.
The combination of Jadeja’s all-round ability and Sundar’s consistency makes them stronger contenders for a spot in the XI, leaving Ashwin on the sidelines unless conditions drastically change.
Likely Scenarios for Ashwin and Jadeja
The Sydney Test appears to be Ashwin’s only realistic chance of playing, provided the pitch favors spin. Even then, team management may lean towards Jadeja if two spinners are needed. Sundar remains the first-choice spinner unless injury forces a reshuffle.
As the series progresses, the focus will remain on how the team balances its combination to adapt to conditions, but for Ashwin, opportunities seem increasingly limited.
