Former head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the Indian cricket team should leverage its strengths and include both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the playing eleven for the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia at the Oval next month. Shastri’s coaching tenure witnessed a memorable Test victory for India at the same venue in 2021, where the pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Shardul Thakur, played a crucial role, complemented by a magnificent century from then vice-captain Rohit Sharma.
With the World Test Championship final just around the corner, the Indian team management faces the critical decision of selecting the best combination to counter Australia’s formidable lineup. While the Oval has historically favored seam bowlers, Shastri believes that the inclusion of both Ashwin and Jadeja will provide the Indian team with the necessary balance and flexibility to tackle the Australian challenge.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a seasoned off-spinner, and Ravindra Jadeja, a left-arm spinning all-rounder, bring immense experience and skill to the Indian side. Ashwin’s ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch, coupled with his expertise in varying his pace and trajectory, make him a potent threat to any batting lineup. Jadeja, on the other hand, is known for his accuracy, tight lines, and his proficiency as a lower-order batsman. His left-arm spin bowling adds variety to the attack and can prove invaluable on surfaces that offer assistance to spinners.
Shastri’s belief in the inclusion of Ashwin and Jadeja stems from his understanding of the Oval’s conditions and the potential challenges that the Australian batsmen pose. While India’s pace attack was exceptional during their previous victory at the Oval, it’s essential to have alternative strategies in place. The presence of Ashwin and Jadeja in the team would not only strengthen the bowling attack but also provide options to captain Virat Kohli in terms of team composition and tactics.
Moreover, the duo’s batting abilities should not be overlooked. Ashwin has proven his mettle as a lower-order batsman on numerous occasions, having scored centuries and valuable runs down the order. Jadeja, known for his explosive batting style, has often rescued India from challenging situations with his aggressive stroke play. Their batting contributions could prove vital in adding runs to the scoreboard and ensuring a competitive total against Australia’s strong bowling attack.
Shastri’s coaching tenure has witnessed the Indian team achieve remarkable success across all formats of the game. His emphasis on playing to the team’s strengths and adapting to different conditions has been instrumental in their accomplishments. As the Indian team prepares for the pinnacle clash against Australia in the World Test Championship final, Shastri’s insights and recommendations carry weight due to his experience and understanding of the Oval’s nuances.
Ultimately, the team management will have to make a collective decision on the final playing eleven, considering various factors such as the pitch conditions, the opposition’s strengths, and the current form of the players. While the inclusion of both Ashwin and Jadeja may add balance and depth to the team, the final call rests with the management and the captain. Regardless of the chosen combination, the Indian team will undoubtedly strive to deliver a stellar performance in their quest for glory in the World Test Championship final.