Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes Ravichandran Ashwin should be included in the playing XI for the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Perth.
While acknowledging that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are capable with the bat, Ganguly emphasized that Ashwin’s inclusion is crucial, not just because he is India’s top spinner, but also due to the presence of several left-handed batters in the Australian side.
Ashwin, Jadeja, and Sundar are the three spin options for India in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The selectors chose to drop Axar Patel in favor of Sundar after his strong performances in the home series against New Zealand.
While India has preferred Jadeja over Ashwin in overseas Tests in recent years, Ganguly believes it’s time for a change in Perth. In an interview with Revsportz, he shared his views:
“There is no debate, Ashwin must play. Your best spinner must play. In Test cricket, play specialists. Also, against the number of left-handers in the Australian line-up, Ashwin is certain to have impact.”
“Yes, there is [Ravindra] Jadeja and Washington [Sundar] and both bat well, but you must go in with your best spinner in the first Test. Play with specialist batsmen and bowlers, and that’s where Ashwin is my choice,” the 52-year-old added.
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Ashwin (38) has featured in 10 Tests in Australia, taking 39 wickets at an average of 42.15, with a best of 4-55. In contrast, Jadeja has taken 14 wickets in four Tests, averaging 21.78, with a best of 4-62.
“He has taught me so much”- Nathan Lyon views on Ashwin
Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has said that he has gained valuable insights from Ashwin by closely studying footage of his bowling. Lyon also praised the Indian cricketer, stating that Ashwin should take pride in his accomplishments.
“He’s taught me a lot. I’m a big believer in the players that you play against are your best coaches that you eventually come across. I’ve watched a lot of his footage heading over to India, the way he goes about it here in Australia, see if I can pick up anything,” Lyon told Fox Cricket (as quoted by Cricbuzz)
“There’s so much to learn in this great game, and there’s so much for me to learn off Ash. He’s a world-class bowler. He’s taken over 500 Test match wickets and he should be extremely proud of that,” the 36-year-old added.
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