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'Too Much Expectation' - Rohit Sharma Bats For Ashwin, Jadeja Continuity Amid Sub-par Run

Akshita Patel

Rohit Sharma puts weight behind Ashwin-Jadeja amid criticism (@BCCI/X.com)Rohit Sharma puts weight behind Ashwin-Jadeja amid criticism (@BCCI/X.com)

India’s veteran spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked a total of 8 wickets combined in the Pune Test against New Zealand on a pitch that suited spinners. After India’s abysmal 113-run defeat, captain Rohit Sharma called out unjust expectations on the spin duo and affirmed that even the best in the business are allowed to have bad games.

After the Bengaluru Test defeat, India produced a rank turner pitch in Pune for the second Test against New Zealand. However, besides Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who are, in fact more superior in experience, were seen struggling to get breakthroughs. 

Sundar was left to do the hard work alone as he chipped 11 wickets in two innings whereas Ashwin picked 5 wickets and Jadeja settled for mere 3 dismissals. With the bat as well, both the veterans let down, raising questions about their impact as quality all-rounders.

Rohit Sharma defends veterans Ashwin and Jadeja

However, Indian captain Rohit Sharma jumped to Ashwin-Jadeja’s defence. As per Sports NDTV, Sharma said expectations are heavy and unjust on the spin duo to perform in every game that they play at home. Responsibility to lead a team to victory should fall on all 11 players instead of just 2 individuals.

"There's too much expectation on those two guys. Every game they play, they are expected to take wickets, run through the (opposition) team and win Test matches for us. I don't think that is fair. It's the responsibility of all of us to make sure that we get the Test wins, not just the two guys. Of course, by their standards, they know where they stand and what they haven't been able to do or what they have done really well," Rohit said.

Having said that, Rohit Sharma acknowledged that Ashwin and Jadeja are well aware of their shortcomings and will figure out a way to turn things around. After all, even the best players are allowed to have a few bad games in a while. Hence, the skipper is not worried about their form and will back them in the upcoming Test in Mumbai as well. 

"I'm not going to look into too much, especially with those two guys. They know exactly what happens and sometimes they are allowed to have some bad games here and there and not go by that expectation that 'okay, this is the opportunity for me to take wickets and run through the opposition'. That's not going to happen every time."

Ashwin scripts history to beat Lyon

Ravichandran Ashwin picked 5 wickets combined in both innings of the Pune Test against New Zealand and scripted a historic personal milestone. With 531 total wickets, Ashwin is the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket amongst active cricketers. He edged past Australian spinner Nathan Lyon to achieve the mega milestone and add another feather to his golden cap.