India’s formidable spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been the backbone of the Test team for over a decade. Their simultaneous absence from the playing XI is a rare occurrence and often sparks interest among cricket enthusiasts.
Since 2014, India has fielded a Test XI without both players on only a few occasions: Adelaide 2014, Johannesburg 2018, Perth 2018, Brisbane 2021, and Perth 2024. Each instance came as a result of injuries, tactical decisions, or pitch conditions that heavily favoured fast bowlers.
Strategic Decisions Behind Their Absence
The 2014 Adelaide Test marked the first time both Ashwin and Jadeja were absent, with the team opting for a pace-heavy attack to exploit Australian conditions. In Johannesburg 2018 and Perth 2018, India stuck to similar strategies, relying on their seamers to exploit lively tracks. These decisions, while logical, highlighted how crucial the duo’s versatility is in balancing the team.
In Brisbane 2021, injuries sidelined both players during a historic series where a young and inexperienced Indian side achieved a remarkable victory. Players like Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur stepped up, proving India’s bench strength. The latest instance in Perth 2024 once again saw the team choosing an all-seam attack, emphasizing how certain pitches can make even world-class spinners dispensable.
Here is how fans reacted:
Jadeja and Ashwin pic.twitter.com/og5jnfuhr4
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) November 22, 2024
Most legend of Test match…..
— Hudda (@Hudda2024) November 20, 2024
Like – Jadeja
RT. – Ashwin
Comment – Pujara pic.twitter.com/cRooYlwLBX
Jadeja and Ashwin have better test avg than Gambhir in batting and Morkel in bowling to get dropped by these two. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/3412JQ4xr7
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) November 22, 2024
NO ASHWIN & JADEJA IN THE INDIA 11….!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ku8GjlJm6t
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 22, 2024
Don't remember the last time we played the test match without both Ashwin and Jadeja. pic.twitter.com/hqeZW1WAAM
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 22, 2024
Washington Sundar has good enough batting talent to play as a pure batter in this team.
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 21, 2024
It's very unfair to drop Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin who are genuine spin allrounders.Jaddu was literally india one of the best batters in Sena for quite sometimepic.twitter.com/XkzZMZVfZH
The Impact of Their Presence
The presence of Ashwin and Jadeja brings stability and depth to the Indian lineup. Both players are match-winners with the ball and contribute significantly with the bat, often rescuing the team in crunch situations. Their absence necessitates tactical shifts and puts added pressure on other players to fill the void.
Despite India’s successes without them, their contributions remain unparalleled. They symbolize consistency and adaptability, whether bowling on rank turners or scoring crucial runs under pressure. Each Test without them serves as a reminder of their immense value to Indian cricket.
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