R ASHWIN

R Ashwin is now a one-format player having played his last ODI and T20I in 2017. He is one of the premier spinners in Test format but has been off-color in previous some series. He was ineffective in the Tests against England in 2018, when Moeen Ali outbowled him and then in the Australia series as well, Ashwin failed to impress.

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He did make a good comeback against South Africa at home, but poor fitness has often hampered his form with the ball every now and then. He played in the first Test against New Zealand at Wellington’s Basin Reserve ground but managed just three wickets and was replaced by Jadeja in the next Test.

Ashwin also has four centuries to his name in Tests, but this aspect of his game has deteriorated a lot, as he looked listless against the moving ball in New Zealand. In his place, Ravindra Jadeja has become more of a viable option as his batting has improved drastically and he can pick wickets, if not in a bunch. His fitness and fielding are just the biggest positives the team has.

Ashwin needs to get fitter, which in turn will also give him confidence and then wickets will follow eventually.