'Masterstroke or Blunder': Fans Divided As Ashwin and Jadeja DROPPED For 1st Test vs Australia

India vs Australia 1st Test: The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is finally underway with India winning toss and electing to bat first. As Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah revealed the line-up for the Indian Cricket Team, he confirmed India start the Test match with four pacers and one spinner.

The only spinner in the line-up is Washington Sundar as in a seismic call the Indian team management has decided to drop both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja from the starting XI of the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. This move has left many fans divided as they claim it to be a big gamble. 

Fans divided over Ashwin and Jadeja's dropping

In the lead up to the game atleast one of Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindtra Jadeja was expected to play the first Test of the series. However, in a surprising call both Ashwin and Jadeja have been dropped by the team management in the favour of an in form Washington Sundar.

Many fans were confused over the decision as they said that it could turn out to be a masterstroke or turn out to a  huge strategic blunder. 

Also Read | India vs Australia, 1st Test Day 1 LIVE Score & Updates

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana debut

Aside from showing confidence on Washington Sundar, the Indian team management have decided to hand two debuts. Pace bowling all rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and pacer Harshit Rana are both making their debut for India in Test matches. 

Also Read | Real Reason Behind Shubman Gill's Absence From India vs Australia Test

India (Playing XI): KL Rahul , Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah(c), Mohammed Siraj

Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood