The four-match Test series will kick off on February 9 in Nagpur.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin will be a key player for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shastri praised the 36-year-old cricketer, saying he is a “whole package” who can decide the series’ outcome.
Notably, Ashwin is currently the second-ranked Men’s Test all-rounder in ICC rankings and can also bat. Ashwin was crucial in the third Test against Australia in Sydney (2021), where he and Hanuma Vihari batted brilliantly to save India from defeat. Thus, Shastri believes that it is not only Ashwin’s bowling but also his batting that can change the game.
Meanwhile, Ashwin has been advised not to overthink his bowling by the 1983 world champion. Shastri stated that the cricketer should keep things simple. “You don’t want Ashwin to over-plan. He is capable of sticking to his plans because he is a key player in this situation. His performance could decide the series. “Ashwin is a package deal; he will get you important runs as well,” Shastri explained.
