XtraTime Web Desk: Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly feels that ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin deserves a ‘‘lot more opportunities’ to prove his worth on foreign soil.
The news is in the air that young chinaman sensation Kuldeep Yadav may replace either Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja in the first Test between India vs England which is set to start from August 1. In a conversation with cricbuzz, Ashwin said that the off-spinner still has a spot in the playing XI.
“You can’t let Ashwin fade away so quickly, because 300 wickets is not a matter of joke,” said the 46-year-old, adding, “Ashwin has a place in the side. He will reinvent himself because he feels challenged, he knows Kuldeep is up for his Test spot; you saw the leg spin in the IPL, he will get better and he deserves a lot more opportunities.”
While Ashwin’s home record speaks for itself with 225 wickets in 36 matches at an average of 22.79, his away record (barring Sri Lanka) is nothing to write home about. In 15 matches played in Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies he has managed 48 wickets at an average of 40.97.
Commenting about the team’s chances in the series, Ganguly sounded optimistic. I”really feel this team is going to do something special (in England),” added Ganguly.