Sachin Tendulkar Expresses Dismay Over Ravichandran Ashwin’s Exclusion from India’s WTC Final Playing XI

In a surprising turn of events, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has voiced his bewilderment over the exclusion of senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from India’s playing XI in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Tendulkar believes that a bowler of Ashwin’s caliber does not require favorable conditions to showcase his effectiveness. Unfortunately, India suffered a crushing defeat of 209 runs in the WTC final, with Ashwin conspicuously absent from the team.

Defending Ashwin’s omission, coach Rahul Dravid stated that overcast conditions compelled the team management to opt for a fourth specialist seamer, despite the opposing side consisting of five left-handed batsmen. However, it is worth noting that bright sunshine prevailed throughout the five-day match, allowing Australia to amass a massive total of 469 runs in their first innings, effectively shutting down any hopes of an Indian victory.

Tendulkar further emphasized that skillful spinners like Ashwin do not solely rely on turning tracks, as they can utilize variations in drift and bounce to deceive batsmen. Additionally, he highlighted that the Australian lineup comprised five left-handers, making Ashwin’s absence even more perplexing. Notably, Ashwin has taken 61 wickets in 13 Tests during the two-year cycle of the second WTC edition.