NEW DELHI: The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth witnessed a rare scenario: India are without both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI.
Since Jadeja’s debut in 2012, the team has gone into only a handful of Tests without its trusted spin duo, making their absence notable.
The last time India fielded a Test XI without either Ashwin or Jadeja was in January 2021, during the famous Brisbane Test at the Gabba.
Injuries sidelined both players, forcing India to rely on other options in a match that culminated in a historic series-clinching victory.
The match saw all-rounders and backup spinners stepping up in their absence, manifesting India’s depth.
Before that, India missed the duo in Perth during the 2018 series, another game where the focus shifted entirely to pace-friendly conditions.
Similarly, in Johannesburg earlier in 2018, spin was sacrificed for an all-seam attack to exploit the lively South African pitch.
This trend dates back to the Adelaide Test in 2014, where India opted for Karn Sharma over the duo.
India without both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in Tests since Jadeja’s debut:
- Adelaide 2014
- Johannesburg 2018
- Perth 2018
- Brisbane 2021
- Perth 2024
Fast forward to the ongoing Test in Perth (2024), India decided to proceed without their premier spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja.
Conditions at the WACA, known for favouring pace and bounce, dictated this decision. Additionally, Washington Sundar‘s all-around ability and effectiveness against left-handers provided a strategic alternative.
The inclusion of Sundar showcases a bold move from the Team India management to balance attack and control, ensuring that the team’s plans align with the conditions at hand.