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Ravichandran Ashwin (Source-twitter)
Ravichandran Ashwin’s pulling out of the IND vs ENG series has created a huge void in the Indian team. The veteran off-spinner has been India’s main weapon for the last dozen years. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have been tasked with leading the Indian attack.
India currently holds the aces in the Rajkot Test after bowling out England for 319 runs. With a lead of 126 runs, the Indian team is dictating proceedings in the third Test. However, according to reports, there is bad news in store for Rohit Sharma.
As per the reports, Ravichandran Ashwin will not play in the final two games of the series. The loss of the veteran spinner is set to be a huge blow as they do not have an off-spinner. The team management may choose to call on Washington Sundar for the rest of the series.
Can India win the series in Ashwin’s absence?
It is now confirmed as per reports that Ravichandran Ashwin is set to miss the final two Tests as well. One has to wonder if the Indian team is well-equipped to play without their most potent bowler.
Axar Patel or Washington Sundar may come into the team for the next two Tests. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid know that the task of replacing Ashwin is way too huge. The 37-year-old brings a wealth of experience that is lacking in the Indian team right now.
Without Virat Kohli, the team was already struggling to find its feet in the series as far as batting is concerned. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are also already out of the equation with the former’s fitness still in doubt.
Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan have just made their way into the team. Dhruv Jurel is also playing his first Test for India. The bowling looked short on reserve against a rampaging England side which is employing the BazBall technique.
It is safe to say that the loss of Ashwin will be felt big time by the home side. India may well have to dig into their reserves to find the will and resolve to win the series. If it happens this series will rank up with the 2020 series win in Australia. -