Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that these two all-rounders of India, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, must have been in contention to be given a chance to captain the team, even as an experiment, for at least a game or two. Two of India’s leading Test spinners, both of them have played more than 70 Tests each-from Ashwin above 100 Tests, and Jadeja at 73-neither of these have led the side yet.
Ashwin & Jadeja Should’ve Gotten A Chance To Captain Team India, Gavaskar Opines
Ashwin had a great 1st Test and won the match against Bangladesh at Chennai his home ground, scoring a match-winning innings- his sixth Test hundred and then taking five wickets as Bangladesh folded for 234 runs in the second innings. Jadeja also significantly contributed to the match with crucial 86 runs and five wickets from the overall match. Together with Ashwin, they produced an outstanding partnership of 199 runs for the seventh wicket after India was in troubled waters at 144/6.
Even after such a long time, Ashwin and Jadeja surprise. Gavaskar would want at least BCCI and the management to have given them one chance in leadership roles over the captainship of the team.
“In the first Test of the current two-Test match series, the way the two Ravis, Ashwin and Jadeja brought the team back in the game showed this team is never done and can get back even if the referee has reached the count of eight. Both these all-rounders have been magnificent over the years and rescued and then won several games for India. It would have been fitting if only they had captained India too even if it was for one game, but for them winning matches for India is the only thing that matters,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.
Rohit Sharma Praised Ashwin’s Contributions
“Rohit acknowledged Ashwin’s contributions by letting him lead the team out to field in the all-rounder’s 100th Test, a hallmark of a skipper confident and relaxed in his own skin and ready to step aside and give the accolades to the achiever. It has been an absolute delight to follow this team and share in the joy that their performances is giving to Indian cricket fans. To see their comfort level with each other and to see the joy they get in each other’s success, tells you what a great bunch of boys this team is,” Gavaskar mentioned.
Sunil Gavaskar, one was elated to see strong camaraderie in the present Indian team and recalled the commendable gesture of Rohit Sharma towards Ravichandran Ashwin during the latter’s 100th Test match against England earlier this March. In that match against England at Dharamsala, where the veteran off-spinner, claimed a miraculous nine wickets, Rohit’s respect for Ashwin was vivid and memorable. Gavaskar would like to see this team spirit continue to flourish as India prepares for a busy season ahead with three Tests against New Zealand and then five against Australia all while keeping their eye on the World Test Championship final.
