Being dropped from a team is never easy, but for Usman Khawaja, it became the catalyst that transformed his career. What if being benched was the best thing that ever happened to you? This is the story of how one of Australia’s most consistent batsmen turned a brutal setback into a triumph, silencing critics and rewriting his legacy. But here’s where it gets controversial—was it a fair call, or did stereotypes play a role in his sidelining? Let’s dive in.
Usman Khawaja, affectionately known as Uzzie, faced the axe eight times throughout his 15-year Test career. Each omission stung, but the fifth one left the deepest wound. During the 2016/17 season, Khawaja was a pillar of reliability, amassing 581 runs at an average of 58.10 across six matches against Pakistan and South Africa. He even notched his fifth Test century in a pink-ball clash against the Proteas, capping off the summer with an unbeaten half-century at the SCG. Yet, just a month later, he was dropped from Australia’s starting XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, replaced by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. And this is the part most people miss—the reason behind his omission wasn’t just about form; it was about perception.
The selectors believed Khawaja struggled against spin in the subcontinent, a notion that haunted him early in his career. Before that tour, he’d played four Tests in Asia, averaging a modest 19.16 with a high score of just 26. ‘I didn’t feel like I was supported, even from the coaching staff,’ Khawaja revealed during his emotional retirement announcement in Sydney. ‘It’s not about blaming anyone, but I just didn’t feel backed.’
Steve Smith, then Australian captain, admitted the decision didn’t sit well with Khawaja. ‘We didn’t think he was playing spinners as effectively as he does now,’ Smith recalled with a hint of regret. ‘He hates us for it,’ he added with a wry smile. But was this decision rooted in reality, or did it stem from a broader stereotype about players of subcontinent heritage? It’s a question worth asking.
Khawaja’s chance to prove his detractors wrong came the following year when he was selected as an opener for Australia’s two-match series against Pakistan in the UAE. Before the match, coach Justin Langer offered words of encouragement that Khawaja still cherishes. ‘Uzzie, go out there. I believe in you. I’ve seen you play spin in Australia. You can do it,’ Langer said. ‘I’ve always loved JL for that,’ Khawaja reflected.
In the series opener in Dubai, Khawaja delivered a masterclass, top-scoring in both innings with a gritty 85 and a marathon 141, facing 302 deliveries over 522 minutes in scorching 40-degree heat and 80% humidity. It was a performance for the ages, highlighted by his innovative use of the reverse sweep—a stroke once frowned upon in Test cricket. ‘I made that shot part of Australian cricket,’ he declared boldly.
The 2018 series against Pakistan marked a turning point. From then on, Khawaja averaged an astonishing 82.77 across 13 matches in the subcontinent, scoring five hundreds, including a career-best 232 against Sri Lanka. Today, only four Australians—Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Matthew Hayden—have more Test runs in Asia than him. ‘To go from being labeled someone who can’t play spin in the subcontinent to becoming one of the best players in those conditions… it’s pretty special,’ Khawaja said.
While Khawaja may never agree with his 2017 axing, Smith sees it as a blessing in disguise. ‘It forced him to rethink his approach and develop new methods to counter spin,’ Smith explained. ‘He’s arguably one of our best players of spin now.’
As Khawaja prepares for his final Ashes Test at the SCG, starting Sunday at 10:30 am AEDT, the question lingers: Did being dropped make him the player he is today, or did it unfairly delay his rise? What do you think—was this a necessary tough love moment, or a missed opportunity to support a player earlier? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.
