In a highly anticipated clash between India and Australia, held at The Oval, the World Test Championship (WTC) final witnessed a devastating defeat for the Indian team, with a margin of 209 runs. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary cricketer hailed as the God of cricket, shared his perspective on the reasons behind India’s falling short.
Expressing surprise and disappointment, Sachin pointed to the exclusion of the experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI as a pivotal factor. According to Sachin, disregarding Ashwin’s prowess is a mistake, irrespective of the pitch conditions.
Ashwin’s Skillset Missing in Action
Sachin Tendulkar criticized the decision to sideline Ravichandran Ashwin, emphasizing the significant impact a spinner of his caliber could have made, regardless of the playing conditions. Despite the Australian team having several left-handed batsmen, the decision-makers failed to recognize the value Ashwin brings to the table.
Sachin highlighted that a skilled spinner should not rely solely on pitch conditions but should adapt to factors such as wind, bounce, and variations in the pitch. It’s worth noting that Ashwin currently holds the top rank among Test bowlers in the world.
Furthermore, Sachin emphasized Ashwin’s ability to strategize and outfox batsmen with his variations. The art of spin bowling extends beyond extracting turn from the pitch alone; it involves deception, flight, and the ability to read the batsman’s mind.
Ashwin possesses these qualities in abundance, consistently showcasing his effectiveness across diverse playing conditions.
Rahul Dravid’s Explanation
In response to the criticism, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid came forward to defend the decision to exclude Ashwin from the team. Dravid cited the prevailing rainy conditions as the influencing factor behind the selection of a fourth specialist pacer instead.
The aim was to strengthen the bowling attack in light of the weather circumstances. However, Sachin Tendulkar voiced his disagreement with this explanation, asserting that India’s main focus should have been on posting a significant score in the first innings to maintain competitiveness.
While adapting to the conditions is crucial, Sachin argued that it is equally important to prioritize setting a challenging total on the board. The decision to exclude Ashwin, who has also made valuable contributions with the bat in recent times, might have been a missed opportunity to bolster India’s batting lineup and put pressure on the Australian bowlers.
Sachin further emphasized that a Test match requires a well-balanced team with players who can contribute both with bat and ball.
The Significance of a Strong First Innings
Sachin Tendulkar highlighted the paramount importance of a strong first innings score, asserting that it was pivotal for India to stay in the match. Unfortunately, the Indian team failed to deliver in this aspect, ultimately hampering their chances of victory.
The absence of substantial partnerships and the inability to convert starts into big scores proved to be the downfall of the Indian batting lineup.
In a format like Test cricket, where patience and endurance are crucial, Sachin stressed the importance of batsmen taking responsibility and building long-lasting partnerships.
The inability to establish a solid foundation in the first innings allowed the Australian team to gain a significant advantage, making it arduous for India to stage a comeback.
Sachin’s Final Thoughts
Sachin Tendulkar concluded his remarks with a sense of disappointment and disbelief regarding the Indian team’s decision to exclude Ravichandran Ashwin. In his view, Ashwin’s exceptional talent and impressive track record speak for themselves, making him a deserving automatic selection.
Sachin further emphasized that relying solely on pacers in a match with favorable conditions for spin bowling might have been a missed opportunity. Notably, the Australian team had five left-handed batsmen in the top eight, underscoring the significance of including Ashwin in the team.
The defeat in the WTC final serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive team selection and adaptability to different conditions. While India’s fast bowling unit displayed commendable skills, the absence of a spinner like Ashwin left a void that was difficult to fill.
Sachin’s comments resonated with cricket enthusiasts, who believed that the team missed an opportunity to turn the tide in their favor.
The defeat of the Indian team in the WTC final left numerous fans and cricket enthusiasts contemplating alternative scenarios. Sachin Tendulkar’s assessment brings forth valuable insights into the omission of Ravichandran Ashwin and its potential ramifications on the outcome of the match.
As a legendary cricketer, Sachin’s insight carries significant weight and provokes discussions about team selection and strategies.
The WTC final served as a reminder of the fine margins that can determine victory or defeat in the captivating game of cricket.
Who is Ravichandran Ashwin?
Ravichandran Ashwin is an exceptional Indian cricketer renowned for his off-spin bowling skills. Widely regarded as one of the best spinners in contemporary cricket, he has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career.
What is the World Test Championship (WTC)?
The World Test Championship is an esteemed tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to determine the top-ranked Test cricket team in the world. It spans over a two-year period, featuring teams competing in Test matches.
How did Australia win the WTC final?
Australia clinched victory in the WTC final by defeating India with a convincing margin of 209 runs. Displaying exceptional performance throughout the match, the Australian team emerged triumphant.
Why did India drop Ravichandran Ashwin?
India’s decision to drop Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI in the WTC final was influenced by the rainy conditions. The team management opted for an additional specialist pacer to strengthen the bowling attack.
What is Sachin Tendulkar’s perspective on the match?
Sachin Tendulkar expressed surprise and disappointment at the exclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin from the Indian team. He firmly believed that Ashwin’s capabilities should not be limited by pitch conditions and that his presence could have made a significant difference in the game.
