Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, has been a formidable force in home conditions throughout his Test career. However, during the recent India vs New Zealand series, Ashwin’s form dipped significantly, contributing to India’s unprecedented 3-0 series loss.
In the six innings he played against New Zealand, Ashwin managed only nine wickets, averaging over 41. This was in stark contrast to his recent performances at home, where he had been instrumental in India’s 18 consecutive home series wins.
In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in 2023, Ashwin picked up 25 wickets in four matches, averaging an impressive 17.28. Against England in 2024, he bagged 26 wickets in five Tests, including two five-wicket hauls. And in the series against Bangladesh in September, he took 11 wickets in two Tests, averaging 19.27.
Ashwin’s struggles against New Zealand were particularly surprising given the conducive conditions for spin bowling. However, the BlackCaps’ bowlers, including the less experienced ones, were able to exploit the conditions better than him.
While Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar bagged 16 wickets each in the series, Ashwin turned out to be the least effective among India’s spinners. This dip in form has raised concerns about Ashwin’s ability to continue as India’s lead spinner in home conditions.
It remains to be seen whether Ashwin can regain his form and help India regain their home dominance. However, the New Zealand series has shown that even the most experienced bowlers can struggle when their form deserts them.
