IND vs SA, 1st Test: R Ashwin replacing Jadeja, sidelined due to back spasm, sparks social media outburst

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Dec 26, 2023, 2:18 PM IST

In the initial Test match between India and South Africa in Centurion, the experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was selected to replace the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who is sidelined due to a back spasm.

In the opening Test of the Freedom Series for the Gandhi-Mandela Trophy in Centurion, South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to field against India on Tuesday. The toss was delayed due to wet patches on the outfield, and the first two days of the match are at risk of being affected by rain.

Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna is making his Test debut in this match, while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is unavailable for the series opener due to a back spasm, as per the Indian team management. Ravichandran Ashwin was picked in place of Jadeja, sparking excitement among fans of the veteran spinner.

Ravindra Jadeja misses out due to neck injury, R Ashwin plays in his place. India have been asked to bat first. pic.twitter.com/q0PdAmJiNO

— 100MB (@100MasterBlastr)

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On the South African side, middle-order batter David Bedingham and bowling all-rounder Nandre Burger are both making their Test debuts. India is seeking their first Test series win in South Africa in 31 years.

"India's decision to go with Ravi Ashwin instead of Ravindra Jadeja this time is a wise move. Having overlooked Ashwin multiple times, including the WTC final in 2023, proved costly. Acknowledging his skill and experience now adds a strategic edge to the team," noted on fan on X.

Another cricket enthusiast added, "Why so much outrage on Jadeja getting dropped? Ashwin is better in tests can bowl better and will provide crucial runs with bat when needed."

A third X user noted, "I think Jadeja was not fully fit. Ashwin Anna will do better this time."

Also read: 'A year since I saw you': 'Blocked' Shikhar Dhawan's emotional note on son Zoravar's birthday moves fans

Teams:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger.

Here's a look at how fans reacted to inclusion of R Ashwin in place of Jadeja, who misses the series opener due to back spasm:

India's decision to go with Ravi Ashwin instead of Ravindra Jadeja this time is a wise move. Having overlooked Ashwin multiple times, including the WTC final in 2023, proved costly. Acknowledging his skill and experience now adds a strategic edge to the team. pic.twitter.com/bsJfvb9rQf

— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7)

Why so much outrage on Jadeja getting dropped? Ashwin is better in tests can bowl better and will provide crucial runs with bat when needed.

— Pr𝕏tham (@Prxtham_18)

I think Jadeja was not fully fit. Ashwin Anna will do better this time.

— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08)

A pitch that doesnt assist spinners in general. Lets hope ashwin natural variation helps. Hope ashwin the batsman steps up !

— Srinath (@djangomode)

This is an interesting development. Ashwin gets to play but at the expense of Jadeja. Eager to see how he goes about in both departments in this Test.

— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16)

India blessed to have two outstanding spin bowling all rounders in Jadeja and Ashwin. If one’s unavailable, other fills in without upsetting balance if team . Playing overseas. Allows 4 fast bowlers to be in the Playing XI

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah)

Is India doing same mistake by Playing Ashwin
Last time India lost the series due to lack of runs
Playing extra batter should have given extra runs
Let's see how it goes

— Revanth Reddy (@Revanthred)

Ashwin ahead of Jadeja is such a brave call. Mind you, it's only possible as KL Rahul playing as a Wicketkeeper. This decision can turn out to be a masterclass. https://t.co/7iygUvm9ht

— Souvik Roy (@souvikroy_SRT)

They should have taken one of Axar or Sundar as reserves. Now we are stuck with Ashwin at 7 just like the last time. Well at least there'll be no Ashwin or Shardul debate today. https://t.co/xCfFk7C7Ka

— Vineet B Vinayak (@VineetVinayak07)

Finally we have Ashwin over Jadeja in a SENA test match. When was the last time this happened ?

— Vinod (@vbgulwani)

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