WI v IND | Stunned by R Ashwin’s exclusion from playing XI for 1st Test, says Sunil Gavaskar

Despite missing the first innings of the tour game last week with flu-like symptoms, Ashwin was available for the second innings and consequently, the Antigua Test as well. However, the Indian team decided to play Ravindra Jadeja as the lone spinner, who will get part-time support in the form of Hanuma Vihari’s right-arm off-spin. 

The only other specialist spinner in the squad is Kuldeep Yadav, who was identified by coach Ravi Shastri as the No.1 overseas spinner after the Australia tour. Losing out in this race between himself, Jadeja and Yadav, has left Ashwin's international career at an interesting juncture. He is yet to play international cricket for India this year. 

Both in England and in Australia, Ashwin started promisingly in the first Tests, but then withered away because of fitness issues. After he struggled with a niggle in England, he was replaced by Yadav in Australia.

Even with all that said, Ashwin remains one of India’s best match-winners in Test cricket of this decade. And, the 32-year-old performs best against the Windies – two Man of the Match awards, and the Man of the Series award his returns from the last time India toured the Caribbean. This is why Gavaskar was left stunned by the choice to leave him out. 

"[The selection] astonished me. A man with that kind of record, especially against West Indies. He doesn't find a place in this playing XI. That is stunning. Astonishing," Gavaskar said during commentary on Sony, reported ESPNCricinfo.

In 11 Tests against West Indies, Ashwin has taken 60 wickets at 21.85 and has scored four centuries to give him a batting average of over 50.