“I don't want to try and find out why I got dropped”- Ravi Ashwin on his frequent omission from away Tests

Ravi Ashwin in 94 matches, has 3185 runs and 489 wickets to his name in the longest format of the game.

Ace India all-rounder Ravi Ashwin went in-depth while discussing reasons behind why he has been dropped from the Indian playing XI when the team plays outside the Asian subcontinent and also touched upon why Ravindra Jadeja is preferred over him.

The Tamil Nadu spinner had warmed the bench when India toured England in 2021 as Virat Kohli preferred Ravindra Jadeja as the sole spinner in the side and the same thing happened when India came back for the fifth Test in 2022.

Ravi Ashwin is a strong batsman in addition to being a world-class bowler, but when it comes to Test matches in SENA nations, he always comes in second place after Ravindra Jadeja. The World Test Championship match against Australia had the same issue.

Jadeja was picked against Ravi Ashwin for the lone spinner position even though Ashwin had prepared himself to participate in the title-deciding match in England.  

When asked about his frequent absenteeism in such games, Ravi Ashwin said that he is not keen to find out an answer as the selection isn’t something that is in his hands.

“How can I find an answer for that…It is foolish of me to try and think why it happened and how it could have been better. The other way of looking at it is ‘how many have played 94 Tests?’ I am glad that I have been able to do that. It has so happened in recent times that the two quality spinners are Ravindra Jadeja and me and fortunately or unfortunately, both can bat.

Jadeja’s batting form has been very good and that is why he has got the nod. I can’t put a finger and I don’t want to try and find out why I got dropped because that is again not in my control…,” he said in an interview with the Times of India.

If I am playing, I am playing to win: Ravi Ashwin

Ashwin has played 94 Tests, scoring 3185 runs with 5 centuries, and has picked 489 wickets with a best of 7/59. Furthermore, Ashwin said that even if he isn’t a part of the team, he wants India to win.

“Ever since 2018-19, when I went through a mental and physical switch, I tried not to sit behind negativity. I have found myself in a state of contribution when I am in the dressing room. If my ego is too high, I become the biggest white elephant in the dressing-room and I don’t want to become that. If I am playing, I am playing to win, if I am not, I cheer for India to win,” added the veteran off-spinner.

India’s next Test assignment will be in December 2023-January 2024 when India will tour South Africa for two tests.comes touring for five Tests in January-March 2024.

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