In the ongoing Test series between India and England, former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has voiced his concerns regarding the performance of spin-bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin. Chopra, sharing his insights on his YouTube channel, expressed that Ashwin's recent displays have appeared somewhat below par, not meeting the high standards typically associated with the seasoned player.
Chopra pointed out a specific instance during the Hyderabad Test where Ashwin seemed caught off guard. Despite claiming nine wickets in the first two matches of the series, Chopra observed certain shortcomings in Ashwin's approach. Unlike his usual strategic experimentation, Ashwin stuck to a single angle in Hyderabad, even when faced with Ollie Pope's sweeps and reverse sweeps. This lack of adaptation led to opponents exploiting Ashwin's predictable approach. According to Chopra, this departure from the typical versatile strategy displayed by Ashwin was noticeable and raised concerns.
Chopra emphasized the expectation for Ashwin to handle challenging situations, especially given his extensive experience. He highlighted Ashwin's struggles in the first innings in Vizag, where opposing batters aggressively targeted him without yielding wickets. While Ashwin exhibited signs of a comeback in the second innings, Chopra expressed the opinion that Ashwin has not yet reached his usual standards, particularly on Indian pitches that are traditionally favorable to spin.
In Chopra's analysis, the transition from consistently spin-friendly pitches to flat surfaces, coupled with the opposing team's aggressive approach, demands more creativity. Despite approaching the milestone of 500 wickets, Chopra asserted that the Ashwin seen in the series so far does not align with the expectations built around the seasoned player.
England currently holds a 1-1 draw in the five-match series, securing a narrow 28-run victory in Hyderabad before succumbing to a 106-run defeat in the second Test in Vizag. The upcoming third Test in Rajkot, scheduled for February 15, presents an opportunity for Ashwin to bounce back and make a significant contribution to India's quest for victory.
With England aiming to become the first team in 11 years to beat India in a Test series on Indian soil, the pressure is mounting on key players, including Ashwin, to elevate their performances. The last team to achieve this feat was Alastair Cook's England side in the 2012/13 series, adding an additional layer of significance to the ongoing battle between the two cricketing nations.
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