Ravichandran Ashwin's recent struggles during the New Zealand series have been far from the performances expected of a bowler of his caliber. The veteran off-spinner finished with a disappointing bowling average of 41.22—his worst in a home series in 12 years—managing only nine wickets in the entire series. India’s unexpected 0-3 whitewash has led to intensified scrutiny over Ashwin’s future, particularly as he is approaching the final years of his illustrious career. At 38, Ashwin has achieved much in his career, but this recent dip in form could not have come at a worse time, especially with India preparing for their biggest series of the year—a highly anticipated away tour to Australia. Ashwin’s performance (or lack thereof) in this series could potentially dictate not just the outcome of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also India’s chances in the World Test Championship Final, making his role in this series a crucial one for India’s aspirations.
The New Zealand series presented Ashwin with some particularly difficult moments. One of the most talked-about decisions was when India had to defend a paltry 107 runs in a match, and captain Rohit Sharma chose not to involve Ashwin at all, a decision that raised eyebrows and sparked much debate. It was a clear sign of how Ashwin's performance had dipped and how he was no longer the automatic choice in certain situations. The second moment of concern came in the final Test of the series in Mumbai, where Ashwin went wicketless on a pitch that was traditionally favorable for spinners, especially someone of his reputation. For a bowler with 536 Test wickets from 105 matches, this was an anomaly. But such low points are rare in Ashwin's career, and they add to the growing narrative that his best years might be behind him. However, it is also important to recognize that Ashwin's biggest challenges throughout his career have often not come from opposing teams but from how he is perceived. His performance against public expectations and perceptions has often been as much a battle as the games themselves.
Ashwin is much more than just a bowler; he is a true cricketing innovator. His ability to constantly evolve and reinvent his game is what sets him apart. His array of deliveries is a testament to his creativity—off-breaks, carrom balls, arm balls, top-spinners, and even the occasional leg break are just a few of the weapons in his extensive arsenal. He is always experimenting, pushing the boundaries of conventional spin bowling, and seeking out new ways to deceive and outthink the opposition. This obsession with self-improvement comes from his intrinsic curiosity and his desire to understand the deeper nuances of the game. More than just playing cricket, Ashwin is constantly rewriting the rulebook on how spin bowling can be approached. Despite his monumental achievements, Ashwin remains one of the most underappreciated cricketers globally. Unlike players like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni, who have massive commercial appeal, Ashwin’s recognition often doesn’t match his impact on the field. Yet, in the years to come, when India finds itself looking for a spinner who combines skill, innovation, and resilience, Ashwin’s legacy will undoubtedly shine brighter.
Anyone who has followed Ashwin’s career over the past decade knows one thing: this is not a player who simply competes—he thrives on orchestrating his battles. His approach to bowling is akin to that of a chess grandmaster, constantly outthinking his opponents, moving his pieces with precision and purpose. In many ways, Ashwin’s rivalry with Nathan Lyon for the title of the ultimate spin wizard in Test cricket serves as the perfect motivation for him to continue defying expectations and proving doubters wrong. With his career nearing its end, Ashwin has a renewed sense of purpose: to show that age is just a number and that his place in cricket’s elite pantheon of spinners is still well-deserved. There is no greater motivation than to prove that his best years are not behind him, and he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Looking ahead to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, this series could very well mark Ashwin’s redemption or be his swan song. Historically, Australia has not been kind to Ashwin. With an average of 42.15 from 39 wickets in 10 Tests, the Australian pitches have proven to be a challenging environment for him. However, Ashwin’s performances in the last two tours have demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive when the stakes are high. In particular, his contributions in India’s series victories over Australia have shown that Ashwin can rise to the occasion in the most difficult of circumstances. Now, as India prepares to take on Australia in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin will have another opportunity to prove himself in hostile conditions.
The Optus Stadium, with its hard, bouncy pitches, presents a fascinating challenge for any spinner. It is a venue where Australia’s Nathan Lyon has consistently delivered for his team, using the conditions to his advantage. But Ashwin, with his repertoire of variations, can also be a handful for Australia. If India opts for a pace-heavy attack, with Ashwin as the sole spinner, it could be the perfect balance to trouble Australia’s top order. Ashwin could very well be the trump card India needs to clinch the series.
Ravindra Jadeja has often been favored over Ashwin as the primary overseas spinner for India, especially in countries like Australia, where conditions typically favor fast bowlers. However, with new coach Gautam Gambhir now in charge, who has a strong emphasis on matchups and selecting players based on team needs rather than past preferences, Ashwin is likely to be given a prominent role. This shift in approach could prove to be beneficial for Ashwin, who has been keen to prove himself in conditions that aren’t always conducive to spin bowling. Moreover, with Nitish Kumar Reddy being groomed as a seam-bowling all-rounder, India may opt to back Ashwin as the lead spinner in the absence of a traditional second spinner like Jadeja.
This Border-Gavaskar Trophy could thus become Ashwin’s theatrical masterpiece, a chance to write the final, defining chapter of his Test career. If he can deliver in Australia, Ashwin will cement his place as one of the all-time greats in the world of spin bowling. Whether this series turns out to be his final swan song or a glorious redemption arc, the stage is set for Ashwin to once again prove that he is still the king of spin. His legacy, built over years of relentless innovation, hard work, and determination, will stand the test of time. The cricket world is waiting for him to perform one last magical act.
