India’s World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev has said that Ravichandran Ashwin has the potential to end India’s long wait for a good allrounder. Speaking to the media while attending a valedictory function to commemorate the 50th year of Sanmar family’s ties with Jolly Rovers, the legendary cricketer said that the Indian off-spinner has even bettered the record of legendary all-rounder Ian Botham so far. Kapil Dev spoke on different topics ranging from Kohli’s captaincy, Indian pacers and much more.

Excerpts:

On Virat Kohli’s captaincy:

It’s too early to answer that. Virat has just commenced his Test captaincy, and is just in his second full series as the skipper. I believe we must give him time – at least 4-5 years before judging him. Yes, Kohli has a good temperament, great potential, but give him some time before we compare him to others or pass our judgement.

On Kohli’s plan of playing five bowlers:

I think it’s a good sign. I believe the thought process of the Indian team has changed over the last 10-15 years. We have changed from going from not wanting to lose – to going all out in order to win. It takes a lot of guts to go with 5 bowlers, but if you have someone like Ashwin who can bat as well as he did in the opening Test against West Indies, then it’s great. You do need quality allrounders on which you build a high-quality team.

On R Ashwin’s abilities as an all-rounder:

I think in a short span of time – Ashwin has shown all the signs of being the all-rounder India have needed. He has achieved everything – in terms of scoring over 1000 runs and scalping close to 200 wickets in Tests. If I am not wrong, Ashwin has done better than even Ian Botham in Tests when you consider the number of matches played. So, one must respect that.

On Indian pacers:

Each one of our pace bowlers has the potential to deliver and it’s all about going out there and doing what the team needs.