IND vs AUS 2023: Ravichandran Ashwin’s form might decide the series – Ravi Shastri

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes Ravichandran Ashwin’s form might decide the upcoming four-match Test series against Australia. Shastri feels Ashwin will be a crucial player for India as he can breathe down the neck of the Australian batters.

Ashwin has scalped 89 wickets at a decent average of 31.48 in the 18 Tests he has played against Australia. He has snared 50 wickets at an impressive average of 23.16 in the eight Tests he has played against the Aussies in home conditions.

The veteran off-spinner has all the experience under his belt and he will be looking to deliver the goods for the team.

“Ashwin, you don’t want him to over-plan. He is good enough to stick to his plans as he is real crucial player here. His form might decide the series. Ashwin comes as a package, he will get you important runs as well,” said Shastri in the press conference organized by Star Sports.

The former Indian all-rounder added Ashwin is a force to reckon with in the tough Indian conditions and he is going to hold the key for India.

“If Ashwin is on fire, then that might decide the outcome of the series. He is world-class in most conditions but in Indian conditions, he is lethal. If the ball starts spinning and there is enough bite off the surface, he will trouble most batters. So, you don’t want Ashwin to overthink and try too many things,” Shastri added.

Shastri added he will pick Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner in the team as Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are similar kinds of bowlers.

“As far as third spinner is concerned, I would like to see Kuldeep play straightaway. Jadeja and Axar are pretty similar bowlers. Kuldeep is different. If you lose the toss on Day 1, you need someone who will give it a rip,” said Shastri.

The 60-year-old commentator feels Kuldeep has the ability to turn the ball on Day 1 and he should be part of the final XI. Yadav had recently scalped eight wickets in the first Test match against Bangladesh.

“If anyone spins it one Day 1, it will be Kuldeep. If the track doesn’t have too much on offer, then Kuldeep can come into play. As the game progresses with the fast bowlers the Australians have, the rough created on both sides of the track will come into play. So, wrist spinners can get the ball to turn back in and out both ways,” Shastri added.

The first Test match will begin on Thursday in Nagpur.