Former Australia batter Michael Hussey has expressed surprise at India‘s decision to field Washington Sundar as the sole spinner in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener against Australia, sidelining seasoned spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. This choice marks a significant shift in India’s strategy, as it is rare for the team to enter a Test match without either of these spin stalwarts.
India’s bold decision to play Washington Sundar
The decision to include Sundar, who has been in remarkable form, particularly during the recent home series against New Zealand, reflects India’s willingness to embrace change. Sundar emerged as the leading wicket-taker in that series, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset on Australian soil. Despite late speculations favoring Ashwin due to his experience and historical effectiveness against batters like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, the Indian management opted for Sundar’s fresh approach and recent performances.
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Michael Hussey’s shocking reaction over the two veteran’s absence
Hussey noted that India could have benefited from the experience of Ashwin or Jadeja, especially considering Nathan Lyon‘s ability to exploit bounce on the Perth pitch. Historically, both Ashwin and Jadeja have been instrumental in India’s spin attack, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. Their absence raises questions about how India will cope with Australia’s batting lineup, particularly on a pitch known for its pace and bounce.
“It is a bit of a surprise if I’m being honest. I thought one of them might play, definitely. You see how important Nathan Lyon is for Australia. Nathan Lyon has actually got the most wickets out of the Australian bowlers here in Perth, so he’s the key man for Australia and what that does is allows the captain to rotate the fast bowlers around from the other end,” Hussey said on pre match show on Fox Cricket.
India’s transitioning phase in Tests
This match marks a transitional phase for India, as they introduce new talent like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana alongside Sundar. While Sundar’s selection is based on his recent success, Reddy and Rana’s debuts indicate a shift towards nurturing young players for future challenges. The team management’s confidence in these newcomers suggests a long-term vision aimed at building a robust squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Interestingly, the last time India played a Test without either Ashwin or Jadeja was during the famous Gabba Test in January 2021, where Sundar made his debut and played a crucial role in India’s victory. This historical backdrop adds an intriguing layer to the current scenario, as fans recall Sundar’s impactful performance during that series. His ability to adapt to different conditions will be put to the test once again as he takes center stage in Perth.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unfolds, all eyes will be on Sundar and his ability to lead India’s spin attack against a formidable Australian batting lineup. The decision to bench Ashwin and Jadeja may well define India’s strategy for this series and beyond.