India’s squad for the third Test against Australia, starting December 14, sees the absence of two notable players: Ravichandran Ashwin and Harshit Rana. Ashwin’s exclusion is part of a tactical decision, with India opting for Ravindra Jadeja over the seasoned off-spinner. Jadeja’s recent form and his ability to extract bounce and spin in Australian conditions have made him a more appealing option.
His consistency and recent performances have solidified his place, making him a key figure for this Test.
Meanwhile, Harshit Rana, despite a promising start in his Test career, finds himself left out of the playing XI. In the second Test, Rana struggled to make a significant impact, prompting the team management to make changes.
As a result, Akash Deep has been brought in for the third match to provide a fresh option in the bowling attack.
Both Ashwin and Rana’s exclusion is also indicative of India’s broader strategy of rotation, which aims to bring out the best combination depending on the conditions and opposition. The team management has shown a willingness to adapt and make tactical decisions based on the pitch at the Gabba, which is known for providing assistance to both pacers and spinners
The absence of Ashwin and Rana may raise eyebrows, but this reflects the dynamic nature of Test cricket, where selection decisions are often influenced by form, conditions, and team balance. The third Test at the Gabba will require a careful mix of spin and pace, and India’s selection reflects their desire to exploit the conditions to the fullest.
Both Jadeja’s form and Deep’s potential have made them crucial choices for this encounter, as India looks to build on their earlier successes in the series.