Bowling overseas will be the real test for Ashwin: Erapalli Prasanna
Oct 14, 2016 at 10:56 AM
Legendary spinner Erapalli Prasanna feels that bowling overseas will be the real test for in-form off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
The Indian off-spinner has been giving performing phenomenally on Indian pitches in the last couple of years but he has failed to replicate the same form outside of the subcontinent. After wreaking havoc against Australia and South Africa in the previous series, he was once again at his devastating best as he dismantled the New Zealand team to help India whitewash the Kiwis. The Tamil Nadu spinner took 27 wickets in the three-match series including a 13-wicket haul in the final Test.
Prasanna also said that Ashwin’s contributions with the bat lower down the order is another plus point for the team.
In an interview with NDTV, Prasanna said: “His batting capabilities is a value add, but Ashwin’s bowling overseas will be the real test.”
Heaping lavish praise on the bowler, Prasanna said that Ashwin is India’s most intelligent bowler and backed to perform well overseas after doing well at home.
“Ashwin is the most intelligent bowler that we have now. His home performance will help improve his overseas credentials,” added Prasanna.
In the last few series, India has been accused of making rank turners. Harbhajan Singh, who is currently out of the Indian, too voiced his opinion on the matter and criticised the Indian team for playing on friendly pitches. But Prasanna claimed that pitch was not to blame for New Zealand’s dismal performance in the recently concluded series and said that the visitors’ inability to play spin was the most important reason.
The former player said: “Our spinners bowled exceedingly well versus New Zealand. More than the pitches, foreign teams who came to India before were better equipped to play spin.”