The question of whether Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin can both be included in India’s playing XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia remains open, as the final decision depends on the conditions at the Oval. The opinions among experts are divided, with some favoring Jadeja and others leaning toward Ashwin. Australian legend Ricky Ponting, however, believes that the Indian team management will choose to include both players, even though he considers Ashwin to be the more skilled and better Test bowler.
Ponting expressed his belief that both Jadeja and Ashwin will be picked for the team, citing Jadeja’s improved batting skills as a key factor. He sees Jadeja as capable of holding the No.6 batting position and providing a few overs of bowling if required.
In terms of the bowling department, Ponting has no doubts about Ashwin’s superiority over Jadeja. He emphasized that Ashwin is a more skilled and accomplished Test bowler.
While acknowledging Ashwin’s prowess, Ponting is banking on both Jadeja and Ashwin being selected due to their potential impact when the ball starts to turn on Day 4 and Day 5 of the WTC final.
“If Jadeja can hold down that batting spot, and then as the game goes on getting into the fourth and fifth day, if it does start to turn, then you’ve got that really high-class second spin bowling option. That’s certainly what I’d be doing,” Ponting stated.
It’s worth noting that India had included both Jadeja and Ashwin in the playing XI during the 2021 WTC final. Ashwin managed to pick up four wickets in the match, while Jadeja only took one.
Ultimately, the decision regarding the selection of Jadeja and Ashwin will depend on various factors, including the pitch conditions and the team management’s strategy.
