‘Team is focused on winning’- Abhishek Nayar says Ashwin and Jadeja not concerned over Perth snub

The Optus Stadium in Perth hosted the first Test of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian team had to field four pacers and just one spinner, Washington Sundar, because the deck was covered in 10 mm of grass. Veteran players like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were then benched by the team. India is now leading the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 295 runs as a result of the calculated move.

In Canberra, India is preparing for the second Test. In the meantime, Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach, was asked if the snub had injured India’s spin duo. In a prompt reply, Nayar stated that “the team was focused on team India to win.”

The only time it becomes difficult is when elders don’t get it. It becomes quite simple, in my opinion, when you have elders like Jaddu and Ashwin who are aware of the team’s goals. The group adheres to the values that Gauti bhai holds. Ashwin and Jaddu’s efforts to assist the younger boys succeed here made us extremely happy. Nayar was quoted by India Today as saying, “I just felt that the culture of the team was focused on team India to win.”

The renowned Gabba Test in January 2021 was the last time that Ashwin and Jadeja were not included in India’s Test team.

Jadeja had to rest because of back problems, and Ashwin missed the game because of a fractured thumb.

After missing the first Test for personal reasons, Rohit Sharma will return as captain following India’s first victory. Due to a thumb injury he sustained during practice at the WACA Stadium in Perth, Shubman Gill will also be eager to return after being replaced by Devdutt Padikkal in the opening match.