Ravi Ashwin vs Washington Sundar: Who is the best choice spinner for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 3rd Test?

India are currently in Australia for a high-stakes five-match Test series. After securing victory in the first Test at Perth, India faced a setback in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval, where the hosts bounced back emphatically with a dominant 10-wicket win. As the series stands level, the Indian team has much to deliberate ahead of the crucial third Test at the Gabba. A key topic of discussion will be the team composition. The changes made for the second Test did not yield the desired outcome, prompting the management to reassess their strategies. Among these changes was the inclusion of the seasoned Ravichandran Ashwin in place of Washington Sundar. While Ashwin brought his wealth of experience, he struggled to make a significant impact on the game, leaving room for debate on his effectiveness in the current conditions.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: Should Washington Sundar replace Ravi Ashwin in the India playing XI?

Washington Sundar, on the other hand, offers a different dynamic to the team with his all-round capabilities and adaptability. His ability to provide valuable lower-order runs and control with the ball could be crucial at the Gabba, a venue known for assisting seamers but also offering opportunities for spinners who can vary their pace and extract bounce. Here are some of the compelling reasons why the team management should bring back Washington Sundar in the  India playing XI for the third Test, replacing Ravichandran Ashwin. With the series hanging in balance, the right team combination could make all the difference in India’s quest for a decisive lead.

Washington Sundar’s tall stature and high-arm bowling action make him well-suited to exploit the extra bounce and carry offered by the Gabba pitch, renowned for assisting pacers and bowlers who thrive on bounce. His ability to extract lift from the surface adds a unique edge to India’s bowling attack, particularly in conditions where spinners might not find much turn.

In contrast, Ravichandran Ashwin’s traditional off-spin, reliant on variations and turn, may not be as effective on a track with minimal assistance for spinners. Sundar’s previous performance at the Gabba further strengthens his case; during his last outing at this venue, he claimed four crucial wickets, showcasing his adaptability and ability to impact games in challenging conditions. Bringing Sundar back into the India playing 11 could provide the visitors with a versatile option capable of leveraging the Gabba’s bounce while contributing with the bat in the lower order.

Washington Sundar brings the dual advantage of being a genuine all-rounder with solid batting technique, making him a valuable addition against Australia’s potent bowling attack in seaming conditions. Unlike Ravichandran Ashwin, Sundar’s batting provides added depth to the order, which has struggled in three of the four innings so far. His compact technique can stabilize the lower order and even allow him to be promoted if needed, as evidenced by his recent century at number three in the Ranji Trophy.

Sundar has already proven his mettle under pressure at the Gabba. In his maiden Test innings during the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, he scored a resilient 62 and followed it with a vital 22 in the second innings, playing a key role in India’s historic win. His ability to perform in tough conditions and deliver crucial runs lower down the order adds balance to the team. With his batting prowess complementing his bowling skills, Sundar’s inclusion could provide India with a strategic edge in Brisbane, offering stability to the lineup and enhancing their chances of competing effectively in the crucial AUS vs IND third Test.

Washington Sundar has been a standout performer for India, especially in the two Tests against New Zealand, where he picked up an impressive 16 wickets. In comparison, Ravichandran Ashwin struggled to make a significant impact in the same series, falling short of expectations. Sundar’s recent form and his ability to deliver in crucial moments make a strong case for his inclusion in the playing XI. Ashwin's performance in the Adelaide Test against Australia also leaves much to be desired. He managed to pick up just one wicket in the match, a return that falls short of his usual standards. While Sundar only grabbed two wickets in his last outing, the gap between the two bowlers in terms of recent contributions isn’t substantial. However, Sundar’s additional all-round abilities set him apart.

Given the conditions at the Gabba for the India vs Australia 3rd Test match, which favor bowlers who can extract bounce and contribute with the bat, Sundar’s previous exploits at the venue and his consistency against New Zealand provide compelling reasons for his inclusion. His ability to perform in all aspects of the game makes him a more versatile choice for the crucial third Test, giving India both balance and a better chance to succeed.