IND Vs ENG: "That's What He Has Done Throughout His Career.."- Monty Panesar On Ravichandran Ashwin

Former England Left-arm off-spinner Monty Panesar hailed India’s versatile off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his willingness to evolve as a player with each passing year. Panesar made these comments ahead of the 1st Test between India and England at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on January 25th.

Monty Panesar who was a part of the English squad that last won a Test series in India back in 2012, appreciated Ravichandran Ashwin for his ability to do something different and desire to get better. Panesar who made his Test debut against India in 2006, feels like a student every time he sees Ashwin bowl as he learns something new each and every time and calls him a major asset for the Indian team.

“I always find that I am a student when it comes to Ashwin’s bowling. I feel I am continually learning something new about his bowling. That’s the asset Ashwin is. He is a brilliant bowler.” – Panesar said. 

Monty Panesar went on to use an uncanny but complementary example to describe the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer. He claimed that Ashwin is just like an application or software that keeps updating itself every 6 months. Panesar appreciated Ravichandran Ashwin for improving himself and believes that it is a major reason behind his longevity and success.

Panesar also hailed him for his versatility, something we all have seen Ashwin doing in his illustrious career which started way back in 2010. From tweaking his action to perfect the carrom ball and from increasing his pace to becoming a leg-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin has done it all.

“He has had the mindset to keep adapting and bowling different deliveries. He kept getting better. It’s not easy all the time to take a lot of wickets on turning pitches. He’s been given turners at home, but you can see the way he adapts all the time. He’s like an app, he keeps updating every 6 months. That’s what he has done throughout his career.” – Panesar added.

Will Ravichandran Ashwin Become A Starter For India In The 5-Match Test Series Against England?

Ravichandran Ashwin is just 10 wickets away from completing 500 Test wickets for India. He will become only the 2nd Indian bowler to achieve that incredible feat after former leg spinner Anil Kumble who retired from Test cricket with 619 wickets.

Although the selectors have not yet announced India’s squad for the 5-match Test series against Ben Stokes’ England, it is inevitable for Ravi Ashwin to find himself in the side. He was left out of the playing XI for the 2nd Test against South Africa after he displayed a very ordinary performance in the 1st Test, where India lost by an innings and 32 runs at Centurion.

Ravichandran Ashwin will be hoping to take full advantage of home conditions and will also look to improve his tally of 337 Test wickets on home soil.