Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was the driving force behind India’s dominant victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ashwin’s exceptional all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighted by his sixth Test century and an impressive six-wicket haul in the first and fourth innings, respectively.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar weighed in on how the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might have handled a player like Ashwin. According to Panesar, the ECB tends to prioritize younger players, often encouraging experienced cricketers to retire sooner.

“If Ashwin were English right now, they’d have probably told him to retire to make way for younger talent,” Monty Panesar remarked, as quoted by NDTV Sports. He pointed out that England’s approach tends to focus on experimenting with fresh faces, rather than relying on established veterans.

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This observation follows the recent sidelining of legendary England pacer James Anderson. Despite Anderson’s clear desire to continue playing, the management has seemingly reduced his role, raising questions about how age influences selection decisions.

Former England cricketer David Lloyd also addressed this in his column, expressing frustration over Anderson’s treatment, calling it age discrimination in the name of progress. “He was forced out because of his age,” Lloyd wrote. “Inclusivity, my arse,” he added, criticizing the decision.

Panesar, a former bowling menace himself, also gave his opinion on the ongoing debate between Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin. “In my view, Nathan Lyon is the better bowler overall, but Ashwin is the superior spinner in India. He has a unique ability to think like a batter when he bowls,” Monty Panesar explained.

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Ashwin, who played his 101st Test in the Chennai match, continues to be a vital cog in India’s Test squad. However, with emerging spinners making a mark in domestic cricket, particularly in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, questions linger about how long Ashwin will hold onto his prominent role in the side.