The Indian cricket team has dropped Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana for the ongoing third Test after facing a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the second Test of the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.
Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, brought in all-rounder Ravindran Jadeja in place of Ravichandran Ashwin, while Akash Deb came in for youngster Harshit Rana, who was beaten crucially by Travis Head in the day-night Test in Adelaide. Oval.
India's selection strategy raises eyebrows as Ravindra Jadeja returns for Gabba Test
After the draw at The Gabba in Brisbane, where the third Test between India and Australia began, the touring side's approach of changing the playing formation frequently, particularly in the bowling department, became a point of discussion among cricket pundits.
The Indian cricket team has selected different players for each of the three Tests of the ongoing five-match Test series so far in Australia. Washington Sundar started the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Perth, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin in the pink-ball Test, and now Ravindra Jadeja has been brought into the mix in Brisbane for the crucial Test match.
Reacting to the change, former India wicketkeeper-batsman and commentator Deep Dasgupta said the pattern highlighted India's strategy of adapting to the conditions but also raised concerns about inconsistency.
Three Tests, three spinners, and here's a bit of a surprise: Deep Dasgupta
However, the former India cricketer feels that Akash Deb's return to the playing XI has added depth to the team, and the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja brings the experience and match-winning ability he is known for.
Hindustan Times quoted Deb Dasgupta as saying: “Three Tests, three spinners – that's a bit of a surprise. In the last five Tests, they (Ashwin and Jadeja) have not played in the same XI. But it is good to see Akash Deb back in the XI. It has been Jadeja.” He's been a match-winner for a long time.
Meanwhile, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that it was surprising that the Indian team put Jadeja on the bench for the first two Tests against Australia. “I was a little surprised that they started with an off-spinner. Jadeja was favoured. That was the way to go,” Bangar said on Star Sports.
We want to make the most of the conditions in Brisbane: Rohit Sharma
Earlier, after winning the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said the conditions in Brisbane inspired changes in the playing XI that lost the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The Indian captain feels that the Gabba Stadium will be better to bat on as he progresses. He will go on to bat at number six in the ongoing third Test against Australia at The Gabba.
A little bit of clouds and a little bit of grass, it looks a bit soft too,” Rohit Sharma said while bowling. You want to make the most of the circumstances. Big game for us here; We will do what is expected of us. We will play good cricket. We know we have to capture some moments; We didn't do that in the previous match, and that's why we lost.
“It's very buzzing; the players are looking forward to the game, and we're looking forward to getting out here and playing. It's looking a bit quiet at this time, conditions are overcast as well, and the batting will get better.” As it continues,” he further said.
