The recent 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa has drawn strong criticism from former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, who has zeroed in on the team’s batting as a major area of concern, particularly citing a “zero intent” in their approach. Ashwin shared his candid assessment on his YouTube platform, lamenting the absence of a fighting spirit among the players. He provided a specific instance involving Sai Sudharsan, who, according to Ashwin, failed to attack even when presented with easy scoring opportunities, opting for defensive play that led to his dismissal. Ashwin suggested this lack of assertiveness points to underlying technical or tactical problems. To foster improvement in India’s Test capabilities, Ashwin proposed a strategic shift in domestic cricket. He recommended playing more matches on pitches that offer turn, which he believes will better equip players to handle spin bowling and solidify their defensive techniques. He also emphasized the need for selectors to prioritize players who consistently perform well in the longer format of the game, rather than prioritizing their success in franchise leagues.
