Indian captain Rohit Sharma believes that experienced spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja still have a crucial role to play in the ongoing Test series against Australia. Their omission from the first Test in Perth was a tactical decision based on the specific conditions and the team's overall strategy which actually proved right with their convincing 295-run win against Australia.
Rohit Sharma on Ashwin, Jadeja's absence in Perth Test
India is expected to make a few changes to their playing XI for the second Test, a day-night match in Adelaide. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are likely to replace Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, respectively. All-rounder Washington Sundar is expected to retain his place in the side as he was the one who was preferred over both Jadeja and Ashwin in the series opener.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't there to break the news to them that they wouldn't be playing the first game. It's always difficult to leave out experienced players like them, but the decision was made for the team's benefit. I still see them playing a significant role in the rest of the series because their quality is unquestionable," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the second Test against Australia, which is scheduled to start from December 6 in Adelaide.
The exclusion of seasoned spinners Ashwin and Jadeja from India's playing XI for the first Test only shows India's strong team's bench strength. With over 800 Test wickets combined, their absence underscores the depth of India's bowling attack.
Ashwin and Jadeja have established themselves as formidable all-rounders in Test cricket. Ashwin has claimed 536 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, and has scored 3474 runs. Jadeja, on the other hand, has taken 319 wickets with 15 five-wicket hauls and has amassed 3235 runs.
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ndia's spin duo's absence left even Nathan Lyon surprised.
"More than surprises me. But the quality of Indian cricketers that they got in that squad, don't they? You've got Ashwin and 530 odd wickets and then you got Ravindra Jadeja over 300 wickets or whatever it may be. So it's pretty remarkable to see the quality of player tha are sitting on the bench. But I can't control with who they run out, bu it would be a good challenge, no matter who they bring out," Lyon said in the pre-match press conference.
Given the anticipated seam-friendly conditions of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, India is likely to retain the same bowling lineup.
In terms of the batting order, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are confirmed to open the innings. Captain Rohit Sharma will move down to number five, with Shubman Gill at number four followed by Virat Kohli. Rishabh Pant is expected to bat at number six, followed by Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
