Pujara praises Ashwin’s ‘underrated’ away Test performances at Melbourne 2020

However, the second Test in Adelaide saw a disappointing defeat for India, allowing the Aussies to level the series at 1-1. In a surprising turn of events, Ashwin was dropped once again for the third Test in Brisbane. India was able to salvage a draw in the match, thanks to the rain. The real shock came during the post-match press conference, when Ashwin entered with skipper Rohit and made the bombshell announcement that he was retiring from international cricket.

During his international career, Ashwin was known to be a dominant force in home conditions, with many finding him ineffective in away Test matches. But Cheteshwar Pujara doesn’t think so. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Pujara felt that Ashwin’s contributions in away matches are highly ‘underrated’ and also pointed out an example which included Steve Smith.

“Yes, it is underrated. When he performs the way he performs in India, because most of the time it will be fifers or it will be three or four wickets, but there are times when he will pick up two or three important wickets away from India, and those are key wickets. For example, we are talking about getting Smith out at Melbourne 2020. Those are some of the key wickets overseas, are important ones,” he said.

“It is not about picking a fifer. It is about picking those two-three key wickets to support the other bowlers because overseas the main goal of a fast bowler is that they have to take fifers or do majority of the damage. Whereas Ashwin’s role becomes a supporting one, where he picks up those two-three important key wickets and sometimes we underestimate that role”, he added.

Ashwin has already reached Chennai, and is not in international duty anymore. Ashwin represented India in 40 away Tests, registering 4583 runs and 150 wickets, packed with eight fifers and two 10-wicket hauls. Meanwhile in 65 home fixtures, he bagged 8263 runs and 383 scalps, alongwith 29 five-wicket and six 10-wicket hauls. In one neutral venue Test match, he got 45 runs and four wickets.