Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja told to pack their bags and fly back to India from Australia

The legendary spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who were once key to India's Test bowling attack, might not be seen in action in the remainder of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia after being overlooked for the first Test in Perth.

Despite their combined tally of 855 wickets in Test cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to be sidelined for the younger spin all-rounder Washington Sundar in the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia, according to the former Indian selector Devang Gandhi.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja likely to miss the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have excelled on home soil, but their overseas stats are not that impressive, and they are also of advancing age—38 and 36, respectively—putting them behind Washington Sundar in the pecking order.

Washington Sundar’s strong recent performance, including 16 wickets in two Tests against New Zealand, has solidified his place in India’s Playing XI.

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Devang Gandhi told PTI: “I do feel that the current form has been taken into consideration. The Indian team management wanted to go in with a team that had confidence and did not exactly look at the past records. Washy bowled well against New Zealand and is a reliable lower middle-order batter. So, it does make sense.”

With India focusing on a pace-heavy bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana, Devang Gandhi has suggested that the spinner's role becomes secondary in the Australian conditions, mainly to provide a break to the pacers and maintain pressure.

Ravichandran Ashwin-Ravindra Jadeja to be benched for Washington Sundar on Australia tour

Washington Sundar’s ability to deliver economical spells and contribute with the bat makes him a priceless asset in Australia's challenging conditions. So, unless Sundar falters, Ravindra Jadeja, with his superior batting record, might edge ahead if an opportunity comes in the ongoing Test series.

Gandhi further explained, “In Australian conditions, you want a restrictive option. This is not to say that Washy (Washington Sundar) can't be attacking, but India's bowling game plan will revolve around Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Harshit Rana. If Mohammed Shami is included at later stages, then he too.

So, a spinner's job will be to give respite to these speed merchants and bowl one line. Also, you need to be a steady batter. He did well in Brisbane last series and also looked good in Perth during the second essay. He batted well in Canberra. He is going to be the first choice.”

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You need off-spinners if there are left-handers: Devang Gandhi

However, the transition toward a younger Indian lineup is a clear hint that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's time in the whites could be nearing its end, as claimed by Gandhi amidst the thrilling BGT 2024-25 actions.

He signed off by saying, “This is a very generic idea that you need off-spinners if there are left-handers. You need off-spinners even more when you are bowling to right-handers. Remember Moeen and his line just a shade outside the off-stump. You get bounce, and the outside edge comes into play. Slight hint of turn, inside edge also.”

The Indian cricket team is currently gearing up for the second Test against Australia after taking a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by 295 runs at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Now, the action shifts to Adelaide Oval, where they will play a day-night Test from December 6.