Why Ravichandran Ashwin Replaced Washington Sundar in the Pink-Ball Test Against Australia
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma stunned many during the toss for the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. While the return of Rohit himself and opener Shubman Gill was on the cards, it was rather surprising that veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took the place of the spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. Sundar, who was preferred ahead of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the first Test at Perth, found no spot in the XI for the day-night encounter. But there is a sturdy reason for choosing Ashwin. In overseas conditions, Ravindra Jadeja often gets preferred over Ashwin for the solitary spinner’s assignment. But in pink-ball Tests, Ashwin has some remarkable statistics to his name. He has topped the Indian wicket-takers with 18 scalps, while Axar Patel has 14 to his name.
Ashwin last played in India in a pink-ball Test at Adelaide way back in 2020, when he had picked up five wickets. Other than his bowling, Ashwin’s safe batting further strengthens the Indian batting order.
At the toss, Rohit Sharma explained the reason for batting first but went no further on the Sundar-Ashwin swap. He said the surface looked dry with a fair grass covering, offering something for both batters and bowlers.
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“We will bat first. The look seems very good, a little bit dry with enough grass cover for carry. This gets better as the match proceeds with batting. There’s everything in it for each player. It’s going to be a great contest,” said Rohit.
The captain also shared his readiness for the challenge: “I’ve been here for two weeks, had good practice sessions and a game, so I’m feeling ready. I’ll be batting in the middle order this time, which is different, but I’m up for it.”
With three coming in—Rohit and Gill returning along with Ashwin—India looks to carry the momentum from Perth into this game. Ashwin has a good record with the pink ball, and so he is a key player for this match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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