Former Indian wicket-keeper Saba Karim is delighted to note that Ravichandran Ashwin is getting the recognition he should have received years ago.
Ashwin has been a massive match-winner for the Indian team, especially in the Test format and he has done a fine job for the team.
The veteran off-spinner also completed 400 Test wickets in the third Test match against England when he plumbed Jofra Archer in front of the wickets. Thus, Ashwin became the second-fastest bowler to reach the milestone after spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan.
Ashwin scalped seven wickets in the last Test match and played a key role in India’s win. The all-rounder was at his best in the second Test match when he scalped eight wickets in the match and also scored a magnificent knock of 106 runs in the second dig.
“I am happy R Ashwin is getting the recognition he should have got many years ago. I have always been troubled that whenever the Indian team has gone to play outside the Asian subcontinent, he has faced harsh decisions quite a few times. If he has bowled one bad spell or not bowled well in a Test match, he has been dropped quite a few times. I have always felt that he has not been treated properly,” said Karim in a discussion on India News.
Ashwin has produced great numbers while playing at home and deserves all the credit. In fact, the experienced off-spinner was at his best in the three Test matches he played against Australia. Ashwin took a total of 12 wickets and played a key role in keeping Steve Smith at bay.
Furthermore, Ashwin scored 39 runs from 128 balls in the third Test match at Sydney against Australia and thus helped the visitors in saving the Test match.
Meanwhile, Ashwin has scalped a total of 24 wickets in the three Test matches against England at an impressive average of 15.71 as he has been almost unplayable in the challenging conditions. Ashwin has continuously breathed down the neck of the opposition batsmen.
“I am happy that he is coming forward now as a true match-winner and he is not only getting respect in his team, but a lot of cricket fans and former cricketers have got the belief that he is definitely a match-winner and a complete all-rounder. He has come and scored runs in difficult situations quite often,” added Karim.
Ashwin has been a consistent performer for the Indian team and he has done a fine job for the Virat Kohli’s side. The 34-year old spinner will look to continue the good show.
The fourth Test match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from March 4.
