IND vs WI: 'Ravichandran Ashwin Will Finish His Career...'- Deep Dasgupta's Startling Revelation On Veteran Off-Spinner

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has lavished praise on Ravichandran Ashwin for his performance with the ball on day one of the ongoing first Test between West Indies and India in Dominica.

After India lost the toss and were asked to bowl first, Ravichandran Ashwin starred with the ball to help the visitors make light work of the hosts. West Indies batsmen just could not settle down as the India spin spearhead ran riot. He picked up five wickets for 60 runs as India bowled out West Indies for a paltry total of 150.

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It was Ravichandran Ashwin’s 33rd five-wicket haul in Tests, the most among active players. The off-spinner also became just the third Indian bowler after the legendary duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to pick up 700 wickets in international cricket. He now has 702 wickets across formats and needs 10 more wickets to go past Harbhajan’s tally of 711 wickets.

With the ace spinner proving his class again, Dasgupta began by admitting that like many he too was surprised over India not picking him in the playing eleven for the WTC final. The former cricketer then praised Ashwin for leaving behind the disappointment of WTC and performing well against West Indies.

“That was a surprise, the final of the WTC. I and a lot of us thought that he [Ravichandran Ashwin] should have been there,” Deep Dasgupta told ESPNcricinfo after the day’s play.

The difference in the class of Ravichandran Ashwin the bowler, and the [West Indies] batters was evident. He would have been disappointed not to be a part of the final, but leaving the disappointment behind, he came and was a thorough professional and did what he does.

“If you look at his [Ashwin’s] new ball record, it’s among the best, including that of the fast bowlers. Even at home, we have seen him be lethal with the new ball, especially to left-handers. He has all the variations. Not surprised at all to see this performance from Ashwin,” he added.

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‘Ravichandran Ashwin a modern-day great’:

Speaking further, Dasgupta called Ravichandran Ashwin a modern-day great. He was all praise for the variation that Ashwin possesses and the ways he uses them on the cricket field. The former cricketer-turned-commentator also stated that Ashwin will be one of the greatest ever once he brings down the curtains on his career.

“He [Ashwin] has so many varieties in his armory, but he also knows when to use it. It’s one thing to have these variations and it’s another thing that you know when to use it.

“He is undoubtedly among the modern-day greats and once he finishes his career, he will finish as one of the greatest ever,” he said.

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