Leg and Off: Would India have needed R Ashwin in their playing 11 for the last two Tests of BGT 2024-25?

R Ashwin may have left a huge void to be filled in the Indian cricket team by announcing his retirement from international cricket after the third Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test on Wednesday (December 18).

He did not play the first Test of the series in Perth but was back in the playing XI for the second Test in Adelaide. However, R Ashwin was once again left out as he was not a part of the playing XI in the recently concluded Brisbane Test.

Not being a regular starter in the Test team anymore could possibly have played a major role in Ashwin's decision to retire mid-way through the series. The all-rounder ended his Test career with 537 wickets, only behind Anil Kumble (619), as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in the format.

Moreover, he was a more than handy batter, having amassed 3503 runs, including six hundreds and 14 half-centuries. More often than not, he also played key roles with the bat in bailing India out of difficult situations apart from his prowess with the ball.

While it seems that R Ashwin has probably walked away timing his retirement perfectly, it can also be argued that the 38-year-old could have made the decision after the final two Tests of the ongoing BGT 2024-25 series.

However, with the team opting to play Washington Sundar over R Ashwin, there were also debates about his need and future in the side. With the series currently tied 1-1 with two Tests to go and also the World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification at stake, would the visitors have needed an experienced player like Ashwin in the playing XI?

Notably, the final two Tests will be played in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively.

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R Ashwin's record in Melbourne and Sydney

R Ashwin, known as India's spin wizard, was a different beast altogether while playing at home. However, he had a decent record in Australia in Tests with 40 wickets and 413 runs as well.

Speaking about his record in Melbourne in particular, Ashwin played three Tests at the venue and managed to pick up 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls (in the match).

The last time India played Australia in Melbourne in 2020-21, he picked up the wickets of Matthew Wade, Steve Smith and Tim Paine in the first innings while also dismissing Marnus Labuschagne in the second. He conceded just 106 runs across 61 overs in both innings, keeping things tight from one end as India went on to win the game as well.

As for Sydney, R Ashwin has played three Tests at the venue as well, bagging just six wickets. However, he does have a couple of fifties with the bat in Sydney and also played the famous fighting knock at the venue on the previous tour.

Looking at his numbers, he certainly has an impressive record in Melbourne in particular.

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Ashwin's presence in the playing XI in Melbourne and Sydney would have certainly helped

While India's playing XI for the upcoming Melbourne Test remains uncertain, R Ashwin would certainly have been a good fit, given his successful record at the venue and what he did there last time around.

His record in Sydney with the ball may not look as appealing when compared to Melbourne, but the possibility of him coming good, also given his experience, cannot be ruled out as the conditions in Sydney often tend to provide assistance to spinners. That is where Ashwin could prove to be effective despite his numbers as he has always been a smart and skilful bowler.

With Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar being the only other spinners in the squad, Ashwin's experience could have come in handy looking at where the series stands at the moment and the stakes being high for India from a WTC final qualification perspective.

Additionally, with the Indian batting looking fragile and unsettled, R Ashwin would have also been a handy extra batting option lower down the order, with a proven ability to provide resistance with the bat in tough times under pressure.