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Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has named the world’s best player of spin. Ashwin picked England’s batting icon and Test captain Joe Root ahead of Indian and other subcontinental batters as the best spin player.
Having played against some of the best batters in the world, the former Indian off-spinner believes that Root is far ahead of others when it comes to handling spin bowling. Read Also: Wasim Akram reacts to Sandpapergate drama, questions Pat Cummins' denial.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks England's Joe Root as spin king
Speaking with the former Indian batter Aakash Chopra on his podcast, Ravichandran Ashwin hailed Joe Root as the world’s best player of spin bowling. Ashwin has pointed out that Root's strong footwork, ability to read the bowler, and excellent use of the sweep shot have made him one of the most successful batters against spin.
Ashwin said on the podcast, “Joe Root. He gets into good positions and probably played me the best. Forget subcontinent batters. I think he is the best player of spin by a country mile.”
His numbers also prove his ability against spin. Root has scored 5170 runs at an impressive average of 61.54 in 223 Test innings against spin. The right-handed batter’s record in Asian conditions is equally impressive.
Root has so far scored 2789 runs at an average of 48.92 with the help of seven centuries and 11 half-centuries in 31 Tests in Asia. These numbers show why Ashwin rates him so highly.
Joe Root becomes only third player to reach 200 ODIs
Recently, Joe Root has reached a major milestone by playing his 200th ODI on Friday. England’s seasoned batter achieved the feat during the first ODI against Australia at Perth Stadium.
Root became only the third England player to play 200 ODI matches. He joined his former captain Eoin Morgan, who played 225 matches, and current teammate Jos Buttler, who has featured in 204 ODIs for the England National Cricket Team.
Read Also: R Ashwin admits missing Virat Kohli while playing under Rohit Sharma.
Rohit Sharma is carefree, Virat Kohli is meticulous: Ashwin explains their different personalities
During the same podcast, Ravichandran Ashwin also shared his views on the different personalities of Indian batting icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He described Rohit as a naturally carefree person who is comfortable being himself, while Kohli is more organized and careful about every detail.
The former Indian all-rounder has pointed out that Kohli likes to keep everything in order, even his cricket kit bag, while Rohit has a more relaxed approach, but both players have their own qualities. He also suggested that young cricketers can learn from both legends.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “Rohit is just how he is on and off the field. He is vulnerable. It is natural. He does not think a lot. Virat always has things ready. It is very meticulous. Everything will be in order, even his kit bag. But Rohit's kit bag will not be like that. We should not judge and should embrace both. Learn from Virat. And sometimes, if you don't want to be that way, learn from Rohit.”
