India has raised eyebrows by leaving out two of their frontline spinners- Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja-from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener. Not that it is not a big unexpected news as these two are regular feature in the Indian Test squad and have impressive records. Ashwin has been the second highest wicket-taker in India after Anil Kumble with 536 wickets from Test cricket, while Jadeja has taken 319 Test wickets so far. Both have also given valuable contribution as batters Ashwin having half-century scores in six Test matches and Jadeja has a sheet-anchor batting average of 35 in 77 Tests.
Washington Sundar’s Inclusion
It is for the first Test in Perth at the Optus Stadium, where India have selected Washington Sundar as the sole spin-bowling all-rounder at the place of Ashwin and Jadeja. A huge shift in strategy it presents as India did not play a Test XI without Ashwin or Jadeja since three years ago in the historic Gabba Test which was played in Australia when both were ruled out because of injuries.
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This time, however, the two-season-old experience of those two key spinners is omitted in favor of more current form and tactical reasons rather than historical records.
Ashwin And Jadeja’s Glorious Statistics In Australia
Record reads 39 for Ashwin in Australia through 10 Tests, the second-most by an overseas spinner in three decades, behind Kumble alone, who has taken 49 wickets in the same number of matches. Jadeja has been very effective in Australia, where he took 14 wickets from 4 Tests at a stupendous average of 21.78, the best among all overseas spinners with a minimum of 10 wickets.
However, the team management has instead decided to proceed with Sundar, a relatively recent inclusion who had fewer international and domestic red-ball appearances.
Tactical And Form-Based Decision
While Ashwin and Jadeja’s absence may seem harsh at first glance, it is hinged on tactics. India has opted for four pace-bowling options for this series opener. One of them, Nitish Kumar Reddy, is a seam-bowling all-rounder, giving strength to the batting but leaving the bowling attack slightly vulnerable. India needed a spinner who could contribute wickets, more so in the second innings, but also provide additional depth to the lower order.
While Jadeja’s record in Australia might make him the preferred option on paper, India has chosen Ashwin as the more attacking spinner. The fact that Australia has three left-handers—Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Alex Carey—makes the selection of an off-spinner like Ashwin a more logical choice over a left-arm spinner like Jadeja.
Sundar’s Current Form And Role In The Side
As much as Sundar might have lacked red-ball experience, his recent form with bat and ball has seen him preferred over those seniors. He showcased his potential in these conditions with the selection helping India grab 16 wickets in just two matches in the recent New Zealand series. His technique also worked in Sundar’s favor, as he handled the bouncy Australian pitches proficiently. His role as a batting all-rounder further strengthens India’s lower order, adding balance to the team.
