R. Ashwin may have been unable to last India’s previous two overseas Test series. Still, chief selector M.S.K. Prasad has stressed that the premier off-spinner is still India’s “No. 1 spinner” in red-ball cricket.
“Undoubtedly. There are no two ways about it. Absolutely no two ways about it. Ashwin is our No. 1 spinner and he is one of the best spinners in the world,” Prasad told The Hindu on Wednesday. “In fact, in every country we play, they always plan against Ashwin first compared to other spinners. He is our premier spinner.”
Ashwin, who lost his place in the ODI and T20 sides more than 18 months ago, missed the last Test in England last year due to a groin injury. In the following overseas challenge, Ashwin’s fitness continued to be under the scanner, having suffered a left abdominal strain after the opening Test in Australia in December.
Prasad, though, was confident that Ashwin will make a strong return from the injury layoff.
“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. 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,” Prasad said.
“Someone who is exerting is only prone to injuries. Someone who isn’t exerting will not get injured. So, 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.”
Need to back Rahul
Prasad also backed top-order batsman K.L. Rahul. As if his poor run with the willow was not enough, Rahul was suspended and had to return from Australia mid-way through the ODI series for his derogatory comments on a television show. Prasad was confident that Rahul will regain his form soon.
“Everybody goes through those phases. Even the greatest of players have their ups and downs in their careers with regard to their form. We want KL to be among runs and that’s why we have included him against England Lions and BP XI match,” Prasad said.
“I think when a player who has done extremely well and is out of form, that’s where we need to back him. I am sure KL will get back to form and get back into Indian team as well. He is too good a player not to be playing. We know the quality that he has. Unfortunately, his form has dipped. We really want him to make a strong comeback by getting runs in whatever matches he gets. I am sure he will do so.”
