Akshay Wakhare has now become a Test material, says Harbhajan Singh

Wakhare ended the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season as the fourth highest wicket-taker.

Akshay Wakhare | PTI

Veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that the off-spinner Akshay Wakhare, who played a key role in Vidarbha’s maiden Ranji Trophy 2017-18 triumph against Delhi, has now become a Test material, saying he has the ability to take the wickets in the longest format of the game.

The 32-year-old Wakhare was Mumbai Indians teammates of Harbhajan for a couple of years, and due to which he has watched him closely, that’s why saying he is ready to play Test cricket for India.

As per TOI, Harbhajan Singh said, “He has the ability to take wickets. It would be better if Akshay doesn't play One-day and Twenty20 as he will have to change his trajectory.”

While referring the opinion of former Tamil Nadu batsman S Sharath, who is now a match referee,  Harbhajan said, “He spoke highly about Akshay two years back having watched him in a couple of matches. I value Sharath's opinion as when we were growing up he was one of the best players of spin.”

The 37-year-old Punjab spinner further added, “I told him that he has done well and I am very happy for him. He is a good learner. Despite being a very good bowler himself, Akshay keeps asking about various aspects offspin. The victory is a great moment for Vidarbha cricket.”

Wakhare ended the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season as the fourth highest wicket-taker with 34 wickets in 8 matches at an impressive average of 21.76, while picked up only 16 wickets in the last season. He was also the highest wicket-taker in the country after the league phase in 2015-16.

Harbhajan concluded by saying, “He is a very good guy and talented off-spinner. His ball has a lot of spin after pitching. He flights and has variations like a proper offspinner. Akshay has good knowledge about the game. He knows how to bowl to left-handers and right-handers. He is a great trier.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 05 Jan, 2018

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