ICC T20 WC 2020: R Ashwin bids for a place in India's T20 World Cup squad 

Ashwin hasn't played any white-ball cricket for India since July 2017.

Ravichandran Ashwin | Getty

Ravichandran Ashwin hasn't played white-ball cricket for India since July 2017 but with two subsequent T20 World Cups around the corner, the ace off-spinner was quick to remind people of his quality and record in the shortest format of the game. 

"I consider myself one of the best, if not the best spinner in Twenty20 cricket," Ashwin, who has taken 52 wickets in 46 T20Is and has had a significant IPL career over the years, told Sportstar.  "I had a very good IPL last year. I don’t think age is a factor. Imran Tahir is 40. I have the variety and the experience. My hopes are alive."

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One of Ashwin's main criticism over the years has been that he tries too many variations but in recent times he has focused solely on off-spin. 

"I have always focused on off-spin, got 80 to 90 per cent of wickets with it. I have dismissed a lot of right-handers. I am fit and the ball is coming out from the hand like a dream."

"I am not thinking too much technically. I ran into some very good batting form too at county cricket but have lately not received too many opportunities for India," he added. 

Ashwin just recently made a comeback to Test cricket with 15 wickets in India's 3-0 whitewash over South Africa. He was sidelined for the tour of West Indies in favour of Ravindra Jadeja, who replaced him when he got injured in December 2018 in Australia. 

Versus the Proteas, in the first Test in Viskhapatnam, Ashwin also became the joint-fastest to 350 Test wickets along with Muttiah Muralitharan. However, he says milestones aren't something he is conscious of. 

"Not at all. I am just enjoying my bowling. I am like a 10-year-old when I have the ball in my hands," he said. "Nothing gives me greater joy. Bowling is like therapy to me. It connects me to my inner self. I am not the same person I was. I am not as intense as before. I just want to bring the joy back."

While many have claimed that Ashwin's injury-prone body has meant he has fallen down in the pecking order as far as the Indian team management is concerned, the man himself talked up the wonderful relationship he shares to this day with skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri. 

"Virat has led from the front. He has captained India to so many series wins. He deserves credit. Whenever I have had a conversation with Shastri, he comes up with something useful. With the team winning so much, the atmosphere within has to be good," he concluded. 

(Inputs from Sportstar)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 24 Oct, 2019

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