India’s experienced spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, might remain sidelined for the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as Washington Sundar seems to have cemented his spot as the team’s primary spinner in Australian conditions. Despite their impressive collective record of 855 Test wickets, Ashwin and Jadeja appear to be behind Sundar in the pecking order. Former BCCI selector Devang Gandhi’s analysis points to a transition within the Indian team, focusing on current form and future potential.
Ashwin and Jadeja’s Decline in Overseas Conditions
While Ashwin and Jadeja have enjoyed considerable success on Indian pitches, their overseas performances have not always lived up to expectations. With Ashwin now 38 and Jadeja 36, their opportunities to represent India may be dwindling. Gandhi believes that Sundar’s strong performances, coupled with his batting ability, make him a better fit for India’s strategy in Australia.
“The management seems to prioritize players who inspire confidence and align with the team’s current game plan, rather than relying solely on past records,” Gandhi said in an interview. He highlighted Sundar’s all-round capabilities, which include his ability to contribute lower down the order and bowl economically in conditions favoring pacers.
Sundar’s Rise to Prominence
Washington Sundar’s recent performances have set him apart from the veteran spinners. Against New Zealand, Sundar took 16 wickets in two Tests, significantly outperforming Ashwin, who managed just nine wickets in three matches. Even in the fast-bowler-dominated Perth Test, Sundar impressed with his control and picked up two key wickets.
Sundar’s ability to provide respite to India’s pace-heavy attack has been a crucial factor in team management’s decision-making. “In Australian conditions, the spinner’s role is to hold one end and allow the pacers to dominate. Sundar fits this role perfectly while also being a steady batter,” Gandhi explained.
The Batting Factor
Jadeja’s superior batting overseas has often been an asset, but Sundar’s technique and performances have given him an edge. With critical contributions in Brisbane during the last Australia series and a solid showing in Perth and Canberra, Sundar has proved to be a reliable lower-order batter.
A former India Test cricketer emphasized the importance of Sundar’s batting: “In overseas conditions, a spinner who can bat adds immense value. Sundar’s sound technique gives him a clear advantage over Ashwin and Jadeja in this regard.”
Transition to a Younger Team
With the Indian Test team gradually transitioning under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, age and future potential are becoming significant considerations. Gandhi acknowledged this shift, noting that Sundar’s youth and ability to adapt to varying conditions make him an appealing long-term prospect.
Although Ashwin and Jadeja have been stalwarts for India, their overseas struggles, combined with Sundar’s rise, suggest they might remain on the bench unless there is a drastic change in form or circumstances. Sundar’s ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball has made him India’s first-choice spinner in Australia, signaling a new era for Indian cricket.
