Ashwin Is Maturing Like A Fine Wine; Axar Will Give Plenty Of Headaches To The Selectors: Gundappa Vishwanath

Former Indian batsman Gundappa Vishwanath has emerged amongst the many to heap praises on Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel following their recent exploits in the home Test series against England. Ravichandran Ashwin continued his tremendous form, bringing it into the home season, while Axar Patel had a dreamy start to the Test arena. Gundappa Vishwanath underlined that spinners mature a little late and the same has occurred with Ashwin.

Ravichandran Ashwin earned the man of the series award for taking 32 wickets in eight innings at 14.71. The 34-year old also managed a hundred in the second Test, coming at a crucial juncture and precisely when the hosts needed it. Ashwin’s impressive performances with the ball against England enabled him to climb to the third spot in ICC’s bowlers’ rankings.

On the other hand, Axar Patel made the most of his opportunity as he earned a maiden call-up to the Test squad, replacing Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner took fifers in his first three Tests as the English batsmen were clueless in handling him. He ended the series with 27 wickets and 10.54. The third Test saw Axar even overshadowing Ashwin as he took 11 scalps in the match to finish it within two days and deliver a win by ten wickets.

Axar is a newcomer. He has to go a long way: Gundappa Vishwanath

Gundappa Vishwanath recognized the efforts of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, claiming that they single-handedly won India matches. The 72-year old revealed that spinners mature late and Ashwin is going through the same as he is maturing like a fine wine. Vishwanath identified that the off-spinner is operating cleverly, making the ball talk by consistently changing his length and situations. As for Axar, the Mysore-born feels that he would give the selectors plenty of headaches.

“It was a tremendous effort from Ashwin and Axar. They single-handedly won matches for India. Spinners mature a bit late and that’s what happening with Ashwin. He is like maturing like a fine wine. He is just amazing. He is bowling cleverly and changes his line and length with situations. He is making the ball talk. Axar is a newcomer. He has to go a long way. Axar will now give a lot of headaches to the Indian selectors,” Vishwanath told Times of India.

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