Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori believes that off-spinner R Ashwin will be a really big help for Team India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
He said that if Ashwin is picked in XI, given the spinner’s ability to adapt quickly and his vast knowledge of the Australian conditions will be a handful.
However, spinners are not that effective on the pacy and bouncy pitches in Australia, but Vettori feels Ashwin can perform well in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, starting on October 16.
Daniel Vettori told PTI: “We all know Ashwin has been exceptional in Tests. The thing for him is he’s coming off a great IPL, and he’s obviously included in the T20 squad for India. He’s one of those guys who’s very adaptable, he understands what he needs to do in all situations. I think if he’s picked, he will know how to perform. He’s been to Australia on a number of occasions.”
On being asked if Ashwin can be a suitable replacement for Ravindra Jadeja in India’s playing in the T20 World Cup 2022, the 43-year-old said: “India does have a plethora of spin bowlers, a lot to choose from. The fact that most of the spinners are all-rounders as well, I think that sets him apart and give the team a good balance.”
Speaking on how the spinners can be successful in Australia, the left-arm spin legend noted: “The best chap to see would be Nathan Lyon and the way he bowls on Australian wickets. His ability to get bounce through topspin, I think that’s where he sets himself apart. Countries like New Zealand, Australia, and England to a lesser degree, it’s about the drift and the amount of topspin you get on the ball.”
He explained, “Someone like Lyon has been so successful, because of his seam release. It’s almost a topspin release and he gets that bounce. In the sub-continent, you can rely on the wicket doing a bit more work for you. But the key to success in Australia is the ability to probably get more topspin than side spin which happens more and more in the sub-continent.”
On India’s future in the spin bowling department, Vettori said: “Particularly when you see those legends at the top, the likes of Ashwin, Jadeja in Test cricket and their ability to transition through all three formats, so many young spinners aspire to that level.”
He concluded, “I can’t talk much about the young group coming through but the Indian spin group is in good hands because of the players that I’ve mentioned. Ravi Bishnoi, Rahul Chahar coming through as well on the back of the IPL so when they play for India in pressure situations they are ready to succeed.”
(With PTI Inputs)
