Australia have not won a Test against India in eight years. One of the main reasons for that is veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, especially in sub-continent conditions. Former head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Ashwin’s form might decide the outcome of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. At the same time, he does not want Ashwin to over-think for his own good.
Ashwin, you don't want him to over-plan. He is good enough to stick to his plans as he is real crucial player here. His form might decide the series. Ashwin comes as a package, he will get you important runs as well," Shastri said during an interaction organised by Star Sports ahead of first Test.
"If Ashwin is on fire, that might decide the outcome of the series. He is world class in most conditions but in Indian conditions, he is lethal. If the ball starts spinning and there is enough bite off the surface, he will trouble most batters.
"So, you don't want Ashwin to over-think and try too many things. Just keep it there and let the pitch do the rest because as it is, it does enough in India," Shastri said.
Shastri also explained why he wants Kuldeep Yadav to be India's third spinner on Nagpur's rank-turner especially if Rohit Sharma loses the toss on February 9.
"As far as third spinner is concerned, I would like to see Kuldeep play straightaway. Jadeja and Axar are pretty similar bowlers. Kuldeep is different. If you lose the toss on Day 1, you need someone who will give it a rip.
"If anyone spins it one Day 1, it will be Kuldeep. If the track doesn't have too much on offer, then Kuldeep can come into play." He also gave another important reason to include Kuldeep in the playing XI.
"As the game progresses with the fast bowlers the Australians have, the rough created on both sides of the track will come into play. So wrist spinners can get the ball to turn back in and out both ways." Shastri is unapologetic when asked about the kind of track he would want.
"I want the ball to turn from Day 1. Lose the toss, so be it. Something there on offer from Day 1, playing at home, cash in on it."
In absence of Shreyas Iyer, India face another connundrum ahead of the series opener. Shastri feels that T20I speciallist Suryakumar Yadav can be the X-factor team needs as a quick 40 from him can turn out to be a game-changer.
"Tough choice. You have to pick the best player for that position (No. 5). Surya is one player who will be proactive and looking to rotate the strike.
"If you want to do well in India, you have got to rotate the strike and not let bowlers bowl maidens at you. Blocking won't help. A quick 30 or 40 could decide the fate of game. He (Surya) can get (the runs) quickly and disrupt the opposition. India should back themselves to win by two-match margin," the 60-year-old said.
