After missing out the last two Tests due to side strain, ace Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin failed the fitness Test on Wednesday. As a result, he has been ruled out of the final game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) scheduled to begin from Thursday.
His absence could be a major blow to the visitors heading into the match at the SCG pitch that has typically favoured spinners.
In Ashwin's absence, the team management could use wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav alongside Ravindra Jadeja who took five wickets in Melbourne. However, captain Virat Kohli has hinted that the job could be given to makeshift opener Hanuma Vihari.
“It is obviously a disappointment for us a team and him (Ashwin) personally, but if you look at the way Vihari has bowled he’s looked like picking up a wicket whenever he comes to bowl,” Kohli said.
“He’s pitching the ball in the right areas so we are looking to him as a solid bowling option right now, especially in this Test match because he’s got pace on the ball, he puts in the effort, and he’s economical which is all you need from a guy who is coming in to bowl 10 to 12 overs a day.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Ashwin underwent a solo indoor bowling session at the SCG. He was accompanied by physiotherapist Patrick Farhart and another support staff and bowled at the indoor centre facilities while rest of the India squad took the day off.
Ashwin played the wrecker-in-chief in Adelaide Test that India won by 31 runs. He picked up three wickets in each innings.
It is the second time his tour has been cut short due injury in the past 12 months. He missed the fifth Test against England with a groin injury in September.