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Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran Indian spinner, finds himself at a crossroads. His underwhelming performance in the recent New Zealand series, culminating in a career-worst home series bowling average of 41.22 and a mere nine wickets in a 0-3 whitewash, has cast doubt on his capabilities at 38 years of age. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia presents a crucial juncture, potentially deciding not only the series' outcome but also India's prospects in the World Test Championship Final. Ashwin's recent struggles have been stark; his omission from the bowling attack during a low-scoring defense and a wicketless performance in a Mumbai Test tailor-made for spin bowling highlight his dip in form. Yet, to write him off would be to ignore a decade-long career filled with remarkable achievements and an innovative approach to the game.
Ashwin's struggles are not a reflection of his true potential. His 536 Test wickets in 105 matches underscore his exceptional talent. However, his career has been marked by a constant battle against perceptions. He is not merely a bowler; he is a cricketing innovator, constantly experimenting with his arsenal – from off-breaks and carrom balls to arm balls and top-spinners. His relentless pursuit of perfection and invention stems from an innate curiosity and a philosophical approach to the game. While he may not enjoy the same mass appeal as Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni, his unique contributions to the game will undoubtedly ensure a lasting legacy. He doesn't merely compete; he orchestrates battles, much like a chess grandmaster. This is evident in his ongoing rivalry with Nathan Lyon for the title of Test cricket's premier spinner.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia presents a potential redemption arc for Ashwin. While Australia historically hasn't been the most favorable environment for spinners, with Ashwin averaging 42.15 in 10 Tests there, his past performances in Australia, where he played an instrumental role in India's series victories, suggest an ability to adapt. The Optus Stadium in Perth, where Nathan Lyon has excelled, presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The possibility of Ashwin being India's sole spinner, supported by three seamers, represents a strategic gamble with the potential to disrupt the Australian team on their home turf. This strategy represents a significant shift in India's selection approach, moving away from the preference for Ravindra Jadeja as the primary overseas spin option under previous selection committees. The influence of coach Gautam Gambhir, who emphasizes matchups in selection decisions, plays a key role in this shift, paving the way for Ashwin, with the addition of Nitish Kumar Reddy, a seam-bowling all-rounder, making his Test debut.
The narrative surrounding Ashwin's performance in this series is ripe with potential. This could be his final opportunity to solidify his legacy and silence his critics. The combination of Ashwin's skill, the team's strategic shift, and the high stakes of the series suggest that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could be the stage for Ashwin's theatrical masterpiece – a fitting culmination of a legendary career, or a potential swan song. The series holds immense significance, not just for India's chances but also for cementing Ashwin’s place among the greats. Will he rise to the occasion and prove his doubters wrong, or will his recent struggles define his final act? The answer lies in the upcoming matches.
Source: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Why 'world-class' R Ashwin could be India's trump card vs AUS