In a recent candid discussion, Indian cricketing stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin shed light on the upcoming transition phase for the Indian team and whether they can adopt the much-talked-about ‘Bazball-like’ approach in Test cricket. While India has shown impressive performances in the red-ball format during overseas tours, they have yet to clinch the coveted World Test Championship title despite making it to the finals in the first two seasons.
In the cricketing world, England’s innovative ‘Bazball’ approach has gained attention, as they surprised Australia with their aggressive and attacking style in the Ashes series. Despite losing the first two Tests in the five-match series, England managed to draw the series 2-2 with their fearless batting display.
Reflecting on India’s future, Ashwin expressed his belief that the team will soon enter a transitional phase, but he also issued a warning that it won’t be a smooth ride. He admitted that there might be some challenges during this transition, and the team would need to address certain issues.
Addressing the prospect of adopting a ‘Bazball-like’ approach, Ashwin made a straightforward observation. He stated that if India were to embrace this style of play during the transition phase and a player repeatedly got out attempting aggressive shots like England’s Harry Brook, it could lead to defeat in crucial Test matches. In such a scenario, Ashwin raised concerns about whether the team and selectors would persist with the attacking approach or resort to dropping players from the playing XI.
Emphasizing India’s cricketing culture, Ashwin asserted that the team should not blindly emulate other teams’ styles simply because they have achieved success with it. He highlighted that what works for one team might not necessarily work for another, as it depends on various factors, including the team’s management, selectors’ decisions, and the support from the fans and cricket-loving public.
Shifting gears to the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023, Ashwin called for the Indian team to approach the tournament with utmost positivity. He stressed the importance of the team carrying a positive mindset as they prepare for the marquee event.
In conclusion, Ravichandran Ashwin’s insights provide valuable context into India’s cricketing future and their approach to the game. While the team might encounter challenges during the transition phase, Ashwin’s stance emphasizes the significance of staying true to their cricketing culture rather than blindly imitating others. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the 2023 ODI World Cup, Ashwin’s call for a positive approach could set the tone for India’s performance in the tournament.
