Why is Ravichandran Ashwin playing instead of Washington Sundar in the Pink ball Test?

Rohit Sharma is back in the Indian team for the 2nd Test match against Australia. The Indian captain won the toss and chose to bat first. It was a wise decision to take considering the weather and the pitch. Rohit also revealed that he would bat in the middle order which implies that KL Rahul will open for India. Moreover, during the toss, Rohit revealed the three changes made in the team. 

In place of Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill comes in, instead of Dhruv Jurel, Rohit Sharma will come in and the most shocking change was Ravichandran Ashwin coming in for Washington Sundar. While Sundar did comparatively well in the previous game, he was dropped from the team.

What can be the reason behind this? Well, the answer to this tough question is Ashwin's record at the Adelaide Oval is pretty fantastic. He even claimed a four-wicket haul in 2020. Also, Ashwin is an experienced player and will be beneficial in the day/night Test match. 

Moreover, he can also put some runs in the board with the bat, which is why he is chosen above Sundar. In the day/night Test match, spin has a part to play and having good experience in the lineup may turn out to be beneficial for the team as well. Hopefully, Rohit's decision of bringing in Ashwin wouldn't go in vain. 

Also Check: Australia vs India 2024, 2nd Test- 3 player battles to watch out for

I want India to play Ashwin: Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian player Wasim Jaffer urged the selection committee to go ahead with Ravichandran Ashwin in the Test match because he carries the experience it requires during a day/night Test match. Fortunately, Ashwin got a chance to prove his worth in the upcoming game against Australia in the Border-Gavaslar Trophy 2024.

"I want India to play Ashwin. Spin always plays a part in D/N Test, Ash has done well there before. Washi hasn't done anything wrong but with Rohit & Gill back to bolster the batting, play your best spinner is what I think. And Ashwin is more than handy with the bat too," wrote Wasim Jaffer.