The New Zealand series was not one Ravichandran Ashwin would want on his highlight reel. The star Indian spinner finished with a bowling average of 41.22—his worst in a home series in 12 years. After managing just nine wickets during India’s shocking 0-3 whitewash, questions about the veteran off-spinner’s future are now louder than ever.
At 38, Ashwin is in the twilight of a glittering international career, but his recent dip in form couldn’t have come at a worse time. With India gearing up for their biggest series of the year—an away contest against Australia—Ashwin’s performance (or lack thereof) could dictate not just the series outcome but also India’s path to the World Test Championship Final.
Ashwin’s struggles in the New Zealand series were glaring, with two moments standing out. First, during a game where India defended a paltry 107 runs, skipper Rohit Sharma chose to overlook Ashwin—a decision that sparked plenty of chatter. Then came the final Test, where Ashwin went wicketless on a Mumbai pitch tailor-made for spinners, a rarity for someone of his pedigree.
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WHY ASHWIN DESERVES MORE RESPECT?
For a bowler with 536 Test wickets across 105 matches, such performances are an outlier rather than the norm. But Ashwin’s fiercest battles have never been against opponents—they’ve been against perceptions.
Ashwin isn’t just a bowler; he’s a cricketing alchemist. His bag of tricks includes off-breaks, carrom balls, arm balls, top-spinners, and even the occasional leg break. And he’s always experimenting, fine-tuning his release points, flirting with the crease, and inventing new variations. He’s not just playing cricket—he’s rewriting his textbook.
This relentless pursuit of reinvention comes from Ashwin’s innate curiosity. More than a bowler, he’s a cricketing philosopher, constantly questioning and innovating. Despite his monumental achievements, Ashwin remains one of the most underappreciated cricketers in the world. He might not enjoy the mass appeal of Kohli or Dhoni, but years from now, when India struggles to find a spinner who blends guile, grit, and genius, Ashwin’s legacy will burn brighter than ever.
Anyone who’s followed Ravichandran Ashwin’s decade-long odyssey knows one thing: the man doesn’t just compete; he orchestrates battles like a chess grandmaster with a PhD in spinology. Currently locked in a fiery rivalry with Nathan Lyon for the title of Test cricket’s ultimate spin wizard, Ashwin has an extra reason to fire up those magical fingers. After all, what’s better motivation than proving doubters wrong at the twilight of your career?
ASHWIN LIKELY TO PLAY PERTH TEST
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under could very well be Ashwin’s redemption arc—or his swan song. Historically, Australia hasn’t been the kindest place for a spinner, with an average of 42.15 for his 39 wickets in 10 Tests. However, his performances during the last two tours were instrumental in India’s series victories, proving that he can adapt and deliver when it matters most.
Optus Stadium presents a fascinating dilemma. It’s a ground where veteran Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has thrived by weaving his magic in partnership with Australia’s fiery pacers. Ashwin, with his arsenal of deliveries that would make a sorcerer envious, could be India’s trick card. If India picks their three best seamers and backs Ashwin as the sole spinner, it could be the perfect recipe to rattle Australia in their own den.
Till now, Ravindra Jadeja has also edged Ashwin when it comes to taking on the role of the lone spinner in India’s Test side on an overseas tour. However, under coach Gautam Gambhir, who leans on matchups to dictate selections, Ashwin seems poised to take center stage with Nitish Kumar Reddy gearing up for his Test debut as a seam-bowling all-rounder. This marks a notable shift in approach, as previous selection committees had consistently favored Jadeja as the primary spin option for overseas tours over the last three to four years.
With the cricketing gods stirring the pot and narratives ripe for the taking, this BGT series might just be Ashwin’s theatrical masterpiece. Maybe it’s time for the spin king to drop the mic—or, in his case, the ball—on the Australian stage and have the last laugh.
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