Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel lauded R Ashwin for becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests. He feels that if the off-spinner plays for another 3-4 years he can surpass Anil Kumble to become India's leading wicket-taker in the longest format of the game.
Ashwin is inarguably one of the best spinners India has ever produced. Over the years, the ace off-spinner has been the mainstay of the Indian bowling line-up in the traditional format and also the second-fastest bowler in Tests to breach the 400-wicket milestone.
Be it home or away, the senior Indian spinner has from time to time delivered for his captain and provided crucial breakthroughs for his team. Ashwin recently surpassed Kapil Dev to become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 436 wickets to his name, just behind Anil Kumble (619).
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Ashwin achieved the feat in the recently concluded first Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali, which hosts won by innings and 222 runs.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Parthiv Patel said that R Ashwin joining the elite list of Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh, who have inspired many people, is the testimony to his hard work. He lauded the off-spinner for having a deep understanding of the game.
"Ashwin joined the elite list that has names like Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh. These are legends of Indian cricket and a lot of people got inspired after watching them play. We talk about batters like Tendulkar and Gavaskar but many people copied the action of Kapil, Harbhajan and Kumble. Many took up the sport because of them.
“Ashwin joining them is a testimony to his hard work. It took him 11 years to reach the milestone. It takes time and you got to work hard for that time. We have seen Ashwin try different things as well. He has a deep understanding of the game and he takes his time to study it," Parthiv Patel said.
Patel recalled that when he and Ashwin were part of CSK in 2008, the off-spinner was always curious to learn new things. He also made a bold prediction and said that if the Tamil Nadu lad plays for another 3-4 years, he can surpass Kumble’s record of 619 Test scalps.
"In 2008 when we both were a part of CSK, Ashwin was always curious to learn new things. He also used to spend time with Muralitharan during that phase. Credit to Ashwin... 436 wickets is a huge milestone. If he continues to play for another three-four years, he can get close or even break Kumble's record,” he said.
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Parthiv Patel further talked about how R Ashwin reads the wicket well and sets up the batter in a different way.
"Ashwin reads the wicket well and varies his length and speed according to that. He also consults the wicketkeeper for the length and speed he needs to dismiss the batter. These things matter when you bowl overseas. You don't get much spin and you have to set up the batter in a different way.
“You've to deceive him in the air and tweak your angles as well. We have seen Ashwin dismissing Smith bowling round the wicket. He's a student of the game with the ability to adjust his bowling according to the surface," he said.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
