Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in India’s playing XI for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia at Adelaide Oval was a tactical decision that sparked considerable discussion. The veteran off-spinner replaced the in-form Washington Sundar, with the management also opting to overlook Ravindra Jadeja for this crucial Day-Night encounter.
The move highlighted India’s reliance on Ashwin’s experience in challenging conditions, but his batting performance left fans and critics underwhelmed. In the second session, Ashwin managed a quick cameo of 22 runs off 22 balls before falling victim to Mitchell Starc’s lethal inswinging yorker.
On the second ball of the 39th over, Mitchell Starc delivered a searing 139.5 kph delivery aimed at the middle stump. The ball swung in sharply, catching Ashwin late in bringing his bat down. It struck him plumb in front before crashing into the stumps, leaving the off-spinner with little room for escape.
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Ravichandran Ashwin reviewed the on-field decision, but the ball-tracking technology confirmed the delivery was on course to hit the middle stump, costing India a valuable review.
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissal marked Mitchell Starc’s fourth wicket of the innings and the seventh for Australia, underlining the left-arm pacer’s dominance in this match. Starc’s ability to produce such deliveries under lights demonstrated why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in the pink-ball format.
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India’s decision to back Ashwin over other options was aimed at leveraging his all-round capabilities. However, his inability to capitalize with the bat added to India’s woes as they found themselves struggling against a fired-up Australian attack on a challenging Adelaide pitch. With the team in a precarious position, Ashwin will now look to make a greater impact with the ball to justify his inclusion in this pivotal Test match.
