MSK Prasad Backs Ravichandran Ashwin, Calls Him ‘No.1’ in Tests for India

Feb 7, 2019 at 4:09 PM

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MSK Prasad Backs Ravichandran Ashwin, Calls Him ‘No.1’ in Tests for India

India’s chief selector MSK Prasad has thrown unconditional support on premiere off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin while stressing he’s still the number one spinner in the Test fold for India. His comments came after Team India head coach Ravi Shastri stated the wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is the top-notch bowler in overseas conditions for India.

He added Ashwin is one of the best slow bowlers of the contemporary time in the cricketing world.

“Undoubtedly. There are no two ways about it. Ashwin is our No. 1 spinner and he is one of the best spinners in the world,” Sportstar quoted Prasad as saying.

In recent times, Ashwin has been the first-choice bowler despite struggling with his injuries. Since South Africa tour, Ashwin has missed out five Tests out of 12 in overseas conditions.

Pertinently, Ashwin lost his place in the limited overs fold in 2017 when Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep delivered goods for the Men in Blue. More often, Ashwin has suffered from multiple injuries. Recently, the abdominal strain on his left side has sidelined him for the Adelaide Test.

MSK Prasad sees injuries as ‘part and parcel:

MSK Prasad, Ravichandran Ashwin
MSK Prasad spoke about Ravichandran Ashwin. Photo Credit: Web.

In 2018, Ashwin missed the final Test against England Cricket Team following a groin injury which has haunted him in between.

“I am sure as a professional he knows what’s the fitness level that’s expected of him. Injuries are part and parcel of the game of every player. I don’t exactly question as to what happened (with his fitness in England and Australia),” Prasad said.

In addition to, the head of the selection committee for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Prasad revealed the opposition team often chalked out a plan to tackle Ashwin.

“In fact, every country we play, they always plan against Ashwin first compared to other spinners. He is our premier spinner,” Prasad added.

Prasad, who seemed a bit irked, asserted that renowned spinner Ashwin has played an integral role in most of the victories for India.

“If we are talking about Ashwin, we are talking about a legendary spinner. We have to accept that first and the number of victories that he has given to us is phenomenal,” Prasad maintained.

MSK Prasad on Ashwin’s return:

 

Ravichandran Ashwin, MSK Prasad
Ravichandran Ashwin has played a crucial role for India while donning whites. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

While talking about the potential return of Ashwin, Prasad is confident in seeing the Chennai star making a promising return. He believes Ashwin has a lot to play with to deliver results for India in the foreseeable future.

“I have no doubt about his commitment. It’s unfortunate but he will come back strong. He has so much cricket left in him and he has so much to offer for Indian cricket,” Prasad maintained.

Ashwin has featured in 65 Tests to claim 342 Test scalps at the average of 25.43. He bagged 26 five-wicket hauls and 16 four-fors to his name in 122 Test innings. Moreover, Ashwin smashed four hundreds and 11 half-centuries in 93 Test innings. Overall, he amassed 2361 runs.

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