Border Gavaskar Trophy: When was the last time India played a Test match without Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja?

The much-anticipated India vs Australia opening Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 kicked off on Friday, November 22, at the Optus Stadium in Perth. With regular skipper Rohit Sharma absent due to personal commitments, pacer Jasprit Bumrah stepped into the leadership role. Bumrah made an immediate impact, correctly calling the toss against Australian captain Pat Cummins, giving India the slight advantage on a lively pitch. At the toss, Bumrah revealed significant changes to India’s lineup. Washington Sundar was selected as the team’s sole spin-bowling all-rounder, a decision that saw the experienced duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin benched for the first time in three years. This bold move marked a shift in India’s strategy, as they opted for a pace-heavy approach tailored to the conditions in Perth.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: India playing a Test match without Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja

While talking more about the absence of the senior duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, it is a very much understandable fact that right-arm offspinner Washington Sundar was really brilliant during the last two Test matches against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai. In his fabulous Test career, Ashwin has picked up a remarkable total of 536 wickets from 105 Test matches at an average of 23.95 that includes as many as 37 five-wicket hauls. On the other hand, he has also contributed immensely well with the bat in the recent past, having scored 3474 runs that comprises of 14 half-centuries and 6 hundreds. 

Ravindra Jadeja has contributed amazingly well in the last few years both with the bat and ball in the longest format of the game, both at home and away conditions. Therefore, it looked very much surprising when he was left out of the India playing XI for the IND vs AUS 1st Test. While talking about Ravindra Jadeja stats in Test cricket, the southpaw has smashed a total of 3235 runs from as many as 77 Test matches at a decent average of 35.16 that includes 21 fifties and 4 centuries. The left-arm spinner has also taken as many as 319 wickets in the longer format of the game that comprises of 15 five-wicket hauls. 

For the first time since 2021, India played a Test match without the iconic spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Interestingly, the last instance of their simultaneous absence also occurred during a tour of Australia in the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy. It was during the fourth and final Test of that historic series at the Gabba in Brisbane when both players were sidelined due to injuries.

That Gabba Test holds a special place in Indian cricket history. Despite missing several first-choice players, India fielded a second-string side under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane. Against all odds, they pulled off a miraculous victory, breaking Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 on the final day became the defining moment of the series decider, as India chased down 328 to seal a 2-1 series win.

The absence of Ashwin and Jadeja in Perth for the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener adds a layer of intrigue, evoking memories of that incredible triumph. While the context and conditions differ, the team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges remains a testament to India’s depth and resilience in Test cricket.

Adding to the excitement, pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy alongside speedster Harshit Rana, received their maiden Test caps for the Australia vs India opening game. Both players were visibly thrilled, marking a new chapter in their cricketing careers. The decision to field debutants underlined India’s confidence in their bench strength and willingness to take risks in the high-stakes series.

The opening AUS vs IND BGT Test promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eyeing an early advantage in what has historically been one of cricket’s most fiercely contested series. All eyes are now on Bumrah and his revamped side to see how they fare against a formidable Australian lineup on their home turf.

India playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (captain), Mohammed Siraj.

"We are going to bat first, looks like a good wicket. Very confident with our preparation. We played a Test match here in 2018 so we know what to expect. The wicket gets quicker. Nitish makes his debut. We have 4 quicks and Washi is the lone spinner," Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah said during the toss.