Ravichandran Ashwin’s non-selection in away Tests have raised a lot of fingers at the Indian team management. The ace bowler has been in some sensational form off-lately, however, he was left behind in Tests away from home, including the England tour. Former cricketer Pragyan Ojha discussed the selection process and explained why Ravindra Jadeja is preferred over Ravi Ashwin in Tests away from home.
Talking on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel, Pragyan Ojha explained how Jadeja gives an all-around package as far as overseas Tests are concerned. He also cited examples of former spin greats Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh and explained how Kumble was preferred as the main spinner with Harbhajan Singh only being considered when there were more left-handers in the opposite team. He said:
“When Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh were playing, the thinking of the team was different. The team management always wanted specialist spinners in the side which India had two in Kumble and Harbhajan. Both were quite exceptional. So Harbhajan would play when the opposition had more left-handers in the side and Kumble was mostly present as the first spinner in the team,”
Pragyan Ojha feels that the thinking has now changed as the team management now wants to go with five batters overseas. And as per him, Jadeja’s consistent batting skills in foreign conditions is the main reason why is preferred over Ashwin. He said:
“Now, the thinking has changed. The captain wants to go with five batters. When you go in with five batters and have Jadeja as an option, he makes 30-40 runs on a consistent basis in away conditions and 60, 70, or 80 runs in Indian conditions. This makes both spinners play in India while Jadeja makes a strong case for himself for overseas Tests. Maybe that is why he is being selected over Ashwin.”
Meanwhile, Jadeja hasn’t been included in the upcoming tour to South Africa due to injury and he is currently undergoing rehabilitation. In his absence, Jayant Yadav will look to shine, with Ravi Ashwin leading the spin attack of the Indian side. India will be locking its horns with South Africa in the 3-match Test series, starting with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion on December 26.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Childhood Coach Slammed BCCI For Non-Transparency
