Jadeja-Ashwin to warm bench in Adelaide? Washington Sundar should play as lone spinner, as per Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara has made it crystal clear that India should stick to the same winning combination that performed impressively in the first BGT Test. Despite the availability of veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, the team should set to continue with Washington Sundar as the lone spinner in the upcoming Pink-ball Adelaide Test. Sundar had a decent second innings in Perth as compared to the first. As the game went on, the lanky spinner made 29 runs and even got two wickets under his belt, helping India achieve their biggest win over Australia away from home (by 295 runs).

The decision comes as a surprise to many cricket experts who expected Ashwin to make a comeback, especially given his stellar performance in previous Australian tours. Sundar, who impressed during the home series against New Zealand, has seemingly won the team management’s confidence, albeit more for his batting prowess than his spin bowling.

Pujara left no room for doubt when addressing the media. “There is no question about it,” he emphatically stated to ESPNcricinfo. “This bowling attack has given us success.” He specifically praised the pace bowling unit, highlighting Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj’s performances and even commending debutant Harshit Rana for his disciplined approach.

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The veteran batter believes Washington Sundar brings more to the table than just spin bowling. “The reason he was chosen in this squad is because he can bat. It will be important in the second Test match that, in case we lose a few wickets early, if the lower-middle order needs to contribute, Washington can do that role“,” Pujara explained. He emphasised Sundar’s potential to contribute crucial runs if India loses early wickets, making him a valuable all-round option for the team. Although both Jadeja and Ashwin have been phenomenal as batters too, Sundar did something special during India’s historic BGT triumph in 2020/21.

Pujara was particularly impressed with Sundar’s bowling approach, noting his ability to hit the right spots despite the challenging Australian conditions. “In Australia, it’s very easy to get carried away,” he said. “But he was still looking to hit the right spot, good length, try and hit the top of off.”

The selection means that experienced campaigners Ashwin and Jadeja will continue to wait on the sidelines. This decision underscores the team’s confidence in their current lineup and their commitment to maintaining the momentum from the first Test.

The second Test in Adelaide is scheduled to begin on December 6, following a two-day pink-ball warm-up game against a Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra (Nov 30-Dec 1). With Pujara’s backing, Sundar will likely continue to play a crucial role in India’s quest for Test series glory.