Picture Credit: X
Former Indian selector Devang Gandhi opened up on the legendary spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin missing the opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. According to Gandhi, Ashwin and Jadeja might not be seen in action in the remainder of the ongoing Australia-India Test series after being overlooked in the opening Test in Perth. Notably, the duo has a combined tally of 855 wickets in Test cricket, but despite such records, they are likely to be sidelined for the younger spin all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Gandhi told PTI, “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.” Notably, Ashwin and Jadeja are also of advancing age - 38 and 36, respectively, which automatically puts them behind Washington Sundar, who picked 16 wickets in two Tests against New Zealand.
In Australian conditions, you want a restrictive option: Devang Gandhi
Gandhi further said, “In Australian conditions, you want a restrictive option. This is not to say that Washy (Washington Sundar) 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. 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.”
