Sunil Gavaskar: India Fortunate to Have Ashwin, Jadeja in the Team
Cricket, a sport deeply ingrained in India’s culture, has been blessed with some of the finest players in history. One such legend is Sunil Gavaskar, a player whose technical precision and temperament redefined Indian cricket in the 1970s and 80s. Since retiring, Gavaskar has remained a significant figure in the cricketing world, offering sharp and insightful commentary. Recently, he spoke about India’s current cricketing arsenal, particularly emphasizing the country’s fortune in having two world-class all-rounders in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Sunil Gavaskar’s admiration for the duo stems from the value all-rounders bring to any cricket team. Historically, India has produced a few remarkable all-rounders—Kapil Dev being a prime example. These players contribute in multiple areas of the game, giving teams flexibility and increasing their chances of success across various formats. Gavaskar, known for his deep understanding of the game, sees Ashwin and Jadeja as pivotal figures who embody this versatility.
In modern cricket, particularly in the longest format of the game, the importance of having all-rounders has surged. This trend can be seen in top teams globally, and India’s Ashwin and Jadeja are no exceptions. Both players have proven themselves with both bat and ball, and Gavaskar believes their presence is one of India’s biggest strengths.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket have been nothing short of phenomenal. With over 450 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin is already counted among the greatest spinners to ever play the game. But it isn’t just his bowling that sets him apart. Gavaskar has repeatedly praised Ashwin’s cricketing intelligence, often referring to him as a “thinking cricketer.” Ashwin is known for constantly evolving his game, using subtle variations, and studying batsmen meticulously to outthink them.
Gavaskar’s respect for Ashwin goes beyond his technical skills. He has often commented on the off-spinner’s adaptability. Whether in subcontinent conditions that favor spin or in challenging overseas environments, Ashwin has delivered crucial performances. Gavaskar pointed out that it is this ability to perform across different conditions that makes Ashwin invaluable to India. His bowling alone would be enough to merit a place in the team, but his batting adds an extra dimension. Ashwin’s five Test centuries, often coming in pressure situations, underline his importance as a lower-order batsman capable of holding the innings together or counter-attacking when needed.
If Ashwin brings cerebral mastery to his craft, Ravindra Jadeja offers a dynamic and all-encompassing skillset. Gavaskar has often referred to Jadeja as the “complete package.” With his left-arm spin, explosive batting, and world-class fielding, Jadeja can change the course of a match in more ways than one.
Jadeja’s growth as a cricketer has been remarkable. Initially seen as a limited-overs specialist, he has become a key player for India in Test cricket. His bowling has always been tight and disciplined, with his ability to keep things economical while also taking crucial wickets. Gavaskar has been particularly impressed with how Jadeja’s bowling has matured over the years, becoming a potent force both in India and abroad.
What Gavaskar truly admires about Jadeja is his batting, which has seen a meteoric rise. His knocks down the order have rescued India from precarious positions numerous times. Gavaskar has lauded his ability to bat with the tail, crafting vital partnerships that have turned the tide in India’s favor. Jadeja’s batting has evolved to the point where he is now considered one of the best lower-order batsmen in the world. His Test batting average of over 35, with multiple fifties and centuries, attests to his capabilities.
Together, Ashwin and Jadeja form a lethal combination, especially in home conditions. Their ability to bowl in tandem and create pressure from both ends is a luxury few teams have. Gavaskar has pointed out that having two high-quality spinners who can also contribute significantly with the bat is a rare and valuable asset.
In recent years, India’s victories, particularly in Test matches at home, have often been built on the foundation laid by Ashwin and Jadeja. They are capable of running through opposition batting line-ups in spin-friendly conditions, and their batting has added crucial runs at the tail-end of innings. Gavaskar emphasized that this duo gives India a depth that most teams can only envy.
One of the hallmarks of a great team, according to Gavaskar, is the presence of players who can adapt to different roles depending on the situation. Ashwin and Jadeja have repeatedly shown they can step up when needed, whether it’s taking quick wickets, holding one end with the bat, or breaking a crucial partnership. Gavaskar noted that their performances, particularly in the middle and lower order, have often been the difference between India winning and losing tight games.
Gavaskar’s admiration for Ashwin and Jadeja is not limited to their performances in home conditions. He has also highlighted their roles in India’s overseas successes. India’s victories in places like Australia and England, where spinners traditionally play a secondary role to fast bowlers, have often seen crucial contributions from Ashwin and Jadeja. Gavaskar pointed out that having all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball in such challenging conditions is invaluable.
As the Indian team continues to aim for global dominance in all formats of the game, the roles of Ashwin and Jadeja will be critical. Gavaskar believes that these two players provide India with a balance that very few teams can match. Their presence in the team allows India to play with greater flexibility, adjusting team combinations to suit different conditions without compromising on either batting or bowling strength.
Sunil Gavaskar, having seen generations of Indian cricketers come and go, knows the value of having players who can change the course of a match. In his view, Ashwin and Jadeja are two such players who are indispensable to India’s success. Whether it’s a spinning track in Chennai or a seaming pitch in London, Gavaskar believes that these two all-rounders will continue to be match-winners for India in the years to come.
In the annals of Indian cricket, the contributions of Ashwin and Jadeja will likely be remembered alongside the greats. And with legends like Sunil Gavaskar acknowledging their worth, it is clear that India is indeed fortunate to have these two stalwarts in their ranks. Their presence not only strengthens India’s current team but also inspires the next generation of cricketers to aim for all-round excellence, ensuring that the future of Indian cricket remains bright.
