Former Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar stated that veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is an integral part of the Indian team. Ashwin has had a difficult time in the recent past as he has not been able to make the cut into the side. The off-spinner was dropped from the limited-overs side after the Champions Trophy 2017.
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Furthermore, Ravichandran Ashwin was not picked in the Test playing XI on the recent tour of the West Indies. Ashwin has all the experience under his belt and he can be lethal in the Indian conditions. Thus, Ashwin was the obvious choice when India picked their playing XI for the first Test match against South Africa.
Ashwin is going to hold the key.
Sachin Tendulkar said Ashwin not only provides the crucial wickets but also he can get the handy runs while batting down the order.
“Ashwin is one of the leading bowlers. And he has done well not with just the ball but also contributed by scoring crucial runs. So, I think he is an integral part of this Indian team without any doubt,” Tendulkar told PTI during an exclusive interaction.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin has had his ups and downs in the recent past. The talismanic off-spinner has to toil hard for his place. Furthermore, the slew of injuries has added salt to the injury for the Tamil Nadu’s spinner.
“I think ups and downs are going to be there in everyone’s career. Ashwin has been around for a long time and has done well, shown consistency. Ashwin for me remains one of the most important players in this Indian set-up,” said the Master Blaster.
On the other hand, India will begin the three-match Test series as overwhelming favorites. However, Sachin Tendulkar believes it is not going to be a cakewalk for the hosts. But the Proteas will need to play out of their skin to challenge the potent Indian side in their home conditions.
“Obviously, India start as favorites. However, if we think that this series will be a cakewalk, then we are mistaken. But yes, for South Africa to make a match of it, they will really have to bat well,” said Tendulkar.