The form of Ravichandran Ashwin will determine the outcome of the Border-Gavaskar series: Ravi Shastri. The four-match Test series will get off on February 9 in Nagpur.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that spin magician Ravichandran Ashwin would be a vital contributor for India in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shastri praised the 36-year-old cricketer, saying he is a “complete package” who can influence the series’ outcome.
Notably, Ashwin is now the second-ranked Men’s Test all-rounder in ICC rankings and can also bat. Ashwin was crucial in the third Test against Australia in Sydney (2021), as he and Hanuma Vihari batted brilliantly to preserve India from losing. Thus, Shastri feels that it is not only Ashwin’s bowling but also his batting that may turn the game.
Meanwhile, Ashwin has been advised not to overthink his bowling by the 1983 world champion. Shastri stated that the player should keep things simple. “You don’t want Ashwin to over-plan. He is capable of sticking to his ideas because he is a key actor in this situation. His performance might decide the series. “Ashwin comes as a bundle; he will bring you vital runs as well,” Shastri explained to Star Sports.
“If Ashwin is on fire, it may determine the series. In most situations, he is world-class, but in Indian situations, he is fatal. Most batters will be troubled if the ball starts spinning and there is enough bite off the surface. So you don’t want Ashwin to overthink things and try too many different ways. “Just keep it there and let the pitch do the rest, because it does enough in India as it is,” he continued.
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Shastri prefers Kuldeep Yadav to Axar Patel as the third spinner.
The discussion over India’s third spinner has been one of the most heated in recent memory. Shastri, on the other hand, feels that Kuldeep Yadav should be given the nod because Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are comparable bowlers.
“As for the third spinner, I’d like to see Kuldeep come in right away. Jadeja and Axar have comparable bowling abilities. Kuldeep is unique. If you lose the toss on Day 1, you’ll need someone to call it. It will be Kuldeep who spins it on Day 1. Kuldeep may come into play if the track doesn’t have much to offer,” Shastri added.
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