Despite Performing Well in BGT Ashwin Got Snubbed From WTC Final

The World Test Championship (WTC) final is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious events in cricket. The clash between two top-ranked test teams to determine the ultimate champion is eagerly awaited by cricket enthusiasts worldwide. However, the selection process for such a significant match can often be a subject of debate and controversy. In a surprising move, despite his exceptional performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Ravichandran Ashwin, the renowned Indian spinner, found himself excluded from the WTC final 2023 squad. This decision has left many fans and experts puzzled, questioning the criteria and logic behind his omission.

As of right now, it doesn’t look like Ravichandran Ashwin will play in the World Test Championship final against Australia. The surface at The Oval has an even layer of grass due to the recent significant changes in the weather, which is currently cold and cloudy. The outlook for the upcoming days is remarkably similar. In fact, as the weekend approaches, the likelihood of rain rises. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are two of the best spin-bowling all-rounders in the world, but India cannot afford to start both of them.

However, it has raised a few eyebrows as well, particularly due to the omission of one of India’s finest spin bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin, from the final playing XI. Despite consistently performing well throughout the championship and also reclaiming the top spot in ICC bowler’s rankings during BGT, Ashwin found himself on the sidelines, sparking debates and discussions among cricket enthusiasts.

While the exact reasons behind Ashwin’s omission remain unclear, several factors might have influenced the decision. One possibility is the team’s strategy to field a seam-heavy attack on English pitches. As a result, Ashwin has been replaced by Shardul Thakur. With the likes of Mohammad Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Shardul Thakur in the lineup, the team management may have felt that an additional spinner was unnecessary.

Another factor could be the perception that Ashwin’s batting prowess may not be as crucial in English conditions, where conditions often favor swing and seam bowling. However, it is important to note that Ashwin’s batting contributions in challenging conditions against quality seam attacks have been invaluable in the past.