Former Indian cricketer and commentator Gautam Gambhir was disappointed with Delhi Capitals (DC) off-spinner R Ashwin’s approach in the IPL 2021 match between DC and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday, September 21 at Dubai International Stadium.
The experienced off-spinner bowled a fairly expensive spell, as he conceded 22 runs in his 2.5 overs, and failed to bag a single wicket, and Gambhir feels Ashwin should have bowled the Test match-type bowling against the SRH to get back his rhythm.
He admitted that Ashwin hasn’t played cricket for a long time having been out of action since the WTC 2021 Final against New Zealand in June, but called him the best off-spinner in the world at the moment and said that he should make the most of his strength in the ongoing IPL 2021.
While expressing his discontent over Ashwin’s performance against SRH, Gambhir suggested the veteran spinner bowl his traditional off-spin until he was hit for a six in order to return his “feel”.
Gambhir said on Star Sports, “He is currently the best off-spinner in the world but he didn't bowl off-spin at all. It is necessary for him to first understand that he is an off-spinner. It was an ideal situation for him where the opposition was three or four down.”
The commentator continued, “There is no doubt that you have not played cricket for a long time, you didn't play the four Tests and the match pressure is completely different, whichever format it might be, you should have bowled your traditional off-spin until you were hit for a six.
You should have bowled the Test match-type bowling and got back your rhythm and feel. Whether it is batting or bowling, everything is about the feel. We saw the knuckleball at the start itself. The entire world knows that you have variations of all types, you can bowl the googly, leg-spin, knuckleball but you are still an off-spinner. You can get wickets with off-spin also.”
He signed off by saying, “It is not necessary that it is T20 cricket or white ball, so you have to show your variations. He disappointed me a little from that point of view but I am sure that going forward he will bowl more off-spin because he is a world-class bowler.”
With the T20 World Cup 2021 also scheduled to be held in UAE, Ashwin's performances for Delhi will be crucial to his chances of breaking into the playing XI.
