Veteran cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin, renowned for his spin bowling prowess, has consistently challenged Smith's batting technique.

Senior India off-spinner R Ashwin says he has figured out ways to tackle Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith in the upcoming five-match Test series, extending their fascinating, decade-old rivalry in top-flight cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Steve Smith have had a fascinating rivalry in red-ball cricket with the Indian claiming to have dissected the Australian stars game plans.