November 18, 2024: Sourav Ganguly has strongly backed Ravichandran Ashwin to be included in India’s playing XI for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener against Australia in Perth, declaring that “there is no debate” over the spinner’s selection. Despite a recent slump in form during India’s home series defeat against New Zealand, Ganguly remains convinced that Ashwin, 38, is India’s best spinner and must play in the high-stakes Test series.
The series, which begins on Friday in Perth, marks the start of what is always a fierce rivalry between India and Australia in Test cricket. With a tough selection call looming for India’s coaching staff—led by Gautam Gambhir, especially after the team’s disappointing whitewash at home against New Zealand—Ganguly’s words will likely add weight to the argument for Ashwin’s inclusion.
While the traditional Perth pitch offers little assistance to spinners, favoring pacers with its bounce and pace, Ganguly points out that Ashwin’s experience and skill set make him a crucial weapon for India, especially against the number of left-handed batters in the Australian lineup. He further stated, “In Test cricket, play specialists,” emphasizing that Ashwin’s expertise in these conditions, despite his recent struggles, is invaluable.
Ashwin’s performance in the recent series against New Zealand raised questions, as he failed to take more than nine wickets across three Tests, while both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar impressed with 16 wickets apiece. His inability to take wickets in key moments, including going wicketless in both innings of the series opener and the first innings of the final Test at Wankhede, has fueled doubts about his form. However, Ganguly remains steadfast in his belief that Ashwin should be India’s first-choice spinner, noting that despite the rise of Jadeja and Sundar, the off-spinner’s record and abilities cannot be overlooked.
On the back of Ashwin’s standout performances in overseas conditions, Ganguly has firmly stated that the veteran should not be left out, as “your best spinner must play” in important Tests like this one. With India likely to field just one spinner in the Perth Test, Ganguly believes Ashwin’s pedigree and his potential to exploit Australia’s left-hand heavy top order give him a clear edge over Jadeja and Sundar.
India’s squad for the first Test against Australia includes notable players such as Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, among others, with Ashwin set to compete for the lone spinner spot alongside Jadeja and Sundar.
With Ganguly’s endorsement, Ashwin’s role in India’s strategy for the series seems almost certain—despite the tough challenge posed by the Australian conditions. It will be interesting to see if the selectors agree with Ganguly’s view when they make their final call.
