Debasis Sen, Nottingham: He is regarded as the best left arm spinner for India after the great Bishen Singh Bedi. Former India cricketer Dilip Doshi was highly impressed with the comeback and positive intent shown by the Indian batsmen here in Trent Bridge. Doshi, who replaced the legendary West Indian Sir Gary Sobers in Nottinghamshire in 1973 made a visit to his former county. The former India cricketer witnessed Virat’s splendid knock from one of the boxes here in Trent Bridge.
“It was really a matured innings because we all know Virat is a wonderful stroke player but he curbed his strokes for the team as he knew a lot depends on him. He has proven the pundits wrong by getting runs on this trip so far. I feel proud as an Indian to witness century today at Trent Bridge,” said Doshi to Xtra Time.
On being asked what he likes the most in Virat’s batting, Doshi said, “I would say it is his commitment to the game and hunger for learning makes him a great player which he is at the moment.”
Talking about Kohli’s captaincy, Doshi said, “I think he plays better under pressure. He enjoys responsibility and likes to prove to himself that he is capable of handling pressure.”
Being a spinner himself, Doshi had words of advice for Ravichandran Ashwin. The off spinner, who started the series on a great note picking 7 wickets in both innings was not as successful in Lords.
“Ashwin has proven he can bowl well in England as was evident in the first test at Edgbaston. I attribute his success towards his acceptance that he is an off spinner first and the variations will not be important to his bowling in test cricket as much his stock bowling which is off spin. I think that acceptance itself is a way for him towards becoming a great bowler,” said Doshi about Ashwin.
Lastly, on being asked to comment on the series the way it is shaping at the moment, the former Bengal spinner said, “There is every reason why we cannot be optimistic about this team to make a comeback and win the series. The batsmen again have to prove their mettle as the wicket in Southampton will be fast compared to the one we had here.”