Ashwin vs Jaiswal’s Man of the Match Controversy

In a thrilling test match against the West Indies, Ravichandran Ashwin’s extraordinary bowling performance left cricket enthusiasts in awe. He took a total of 12 wickets in the match, with 5 wickets in the first innings and 7 wickets in the second. Despite his outstanding achievement, the man of the match award went to debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal for his exceptional 171-run innings. This decision raised eyebrows and sparked a heated debate among cricket fans and experts.

A Star in the Making: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Marathon Innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian cricketer, displayed remarkable composure and skill during his innings. Scoring an impressive 171 runs, he demonstrated his potential as a future star in the world of cricket. Jaiswal’s innings allowed India to build a solid foundation and set a challenging target for the West Indies. His performance garnered well-deserved attention and admiration from fans and cricket pundits alike.

Ashwin’s Bowling Masterclass

Amidst Jaiswal’s heroics, Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his exceptional bowling prowess. He dismantled the West Indies batting line-up, taking crucial wickets that played a pivotal role in India’s victory. Ashwin’s bowling spell restricted the West Indies to a mere 150 runs in the first innings, setting the stage for India’s dominant position in the match.

The Man of the Match Controversy

Despite Ashwin’s exceptional performance, the man of the match award was bestowed upon Yashasvi Jaiswal. This decision sparked controversy among cricket enthusiasts, with many questioning the criteria used to determine the recipient of the prestigious award. Some argued that Ashwin’s impact on the match’s outcome was more significant, given that he took 60% of the opposition’s wickets whereas Jaiswal’s batting score contribution was just about 40.5%, which still makes a big difference of 19.5% in favor of Ashwin’s match-winning contribution.

The Role of Context in the Decision

One factor that played a role in the man of the match decision was the context in which Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings took place. Since Ashwin had already reduced the West Indies to a low score, the pressure on Jaiswal was comparatively lower when he stepped onto the crease. This allowed him to bat at his own leisurely pace, contributing to his impressive performance. While Ashwin’s bowling set the stage for India’s win, Jaiswal’s innings was seen as the icing on the cake.

Acknowledging Ashwin’s Impact

While Jaiswal’s innings stole the limelight, it is essential to recognize Ashwin’s exceptional contribution to the match. His 12-wicket haul played a vital role in dismantling the West Indies batting line-up and giving India a dominant position in the game. Ashwin’s ability to take wickets consistently, even on challenging pitches, is a testament to his skills and experience as a bowler.

The Debate Continues

The man of the match controversy involving Ravichandran Ashwin and Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to be a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts for a long time. Some argue that the impact of a bowler’s performance is often undervalued compared to a batsman’s innings. Others believe that Jaiswal’s debut innings deserved the accolades it received, regardless of the context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the first test match against the West Indies witnessed exceptional performances from both Ravichandran Ashwin and Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Ashwin’s brilliant bowling set the stage for India’s victory, Jaiswal’s debut innings left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. The man of the match controversy highlights the subjective nature of such decisions, often influenced by the context in which players perform. Ultimately, both players showcased their talent and potential, enriching the spirit of cricket.

Ignoring Excellence, Embracing Mediocrity

It is utterly perplexing that the team management, including captain Rohit Sharma, senior batsman Virat Kohli, and coach Rahul Dravid, consistently overlook Ashwin’s brilliance in favor of mediocre pacemen. Ashwin’s records and match-winning performances speak for themselves, making it all the more baffling why he is sidelined time and again for bowlers with fewer accomplishments.

Unmatched Brilliance, Unworthy Treatment

Ashwin’s ability to weave magic with the ball, confounding batsmen with his variations and spin, is a cricketing gem that has gone underappreciated. His numerous Man of the Series awards and record-breaking achievements are unparalleled, yet the team management seems to turn a blind eye to his talent, opting for lackluster pacers instead.

Bias Distorting Selections

The bias against spinners is evident in the team selections, where Ashwin’s name is consistently missing, while far less deserving pacemen with few dozen of wickets are given preferential treatment. This distorted approach in team selections undermines the credibility of Indian cricket and casts a shadow of doubt on the competence of the team management and questions their intentions if they want India to win or play their team.

Pacemen Fever: Blind to Spin Wizardry

The obsession with pace bowlers seems to blind the team management to the wizardry that Ashwin brings to the game, even Axar Patel is forever on the sidelines. While fast bowlers might grab attention with their pace and aggression, it should not come at the expense of ignoring the artistry and intellect that a skilled spinner like Ravichandran Ashwin brings to the field.

Conclusion

The harsh truth is that Indian cricket has been plagued by an unjust bias against spinners, with Ravichandran Ashwin being the most prominent victim of this malpractice followed by Axar Patel’s and Kuldeep Yadav’s. All three spinners grab more than 4 wickets per test match whereas none of the pacemen who play for India take more than 3 wickets a test on an average, some are hovering just above 2. Ashwin’s exceptional talent of grabbing more than 5 wickets in a test match is the best in the world now, unmatched achievements, and match-winning prowess deserve recognition and appreciation, not neglect and ignorance. It is time for the team management to wake up from their pacemen fever and embrace the true gems of Indian cricket—spinners like Ashwin, who enrich the sport with their brilliance. Failure to acknowledge and celebrate his excellence is not only a disservice to Ashwin but also a disgrace to the spirit of cricket. The time for change is now; let us stand up against this bias and demand the rightful place of our spin wizard in Indian cricket history.

Dehradun | Himalayas

Tag: cricket controversy