"Ravichandran Ashwin Will Give Virat Kohli Options Irrespective Of What Type Of Conditions They Play": VVS Laxman

Ahead of the second Test between India and England, former Indian batsman VVS Laxman reckoned on the inclusion of ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in India’s playing XI at Lord’s.

Ashwin was dropped from the team in the first Test in order to accommodate four pace bowlers with left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja playing as the lone spin bowler. Indian captain Virat Kohli faced backlash for dropping the Tamil Nadu player in Nottingham.

VVS Laxman says Ravichandran Ashwin will provide options irrespective of conditions

Apart from being the leading wicket-taker in the current Indian team, with over 400 Test scalps, Ashwin has also notched up five centuries in the red-ball format and played a huge role in helping India to claim a draw against Australia in Sydney.

Ashwin stood like a rock and deployed a defensive game to deny Australians an important victory in the third Test. Laxman acknowledged Ashwin’s contributions with the bat and believes that he will provide the Indian team with plenty of options.

“He can also contribute with the bat, we know that he’s got 5 Test hundreds. Ashwin will give Virat Kohli options irrespective of what type of conditions they play in,” Laxman told ESPNCricinfo.

“I hope they’ll make the right call by taking Ashwin in the XI,” he added.

VVS Laxman is ready to drop Shardul Thakur in place of Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin has been a vital cog in the Indian bowling attack over the years, shattering numerous records and achieving milestones one after another. The spinner has not only dominated in the sub-continent but also performed well in overseas conditions.

Out of his 413 Test wickets, Ashwin has claimed 67 of those in SENA countries and he becomes impactful in deceiving left-handed batters as seen in the WTC final against New Zealand. Laxman feels Ashwin can adapt to any kind of conditions while calling him a skillful bowler and he would drop bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur in place of the spinner.

“I’ve mentioned this before that he’s a more than capable bowler to perform in any condition. He’s a skilled bowler. He’s someone who has over 400 wickets. Anyone who has that many wickets knows how to adapt to different conditions. Ashwin will add variety and strength to the bowling line-up,” Laxman said.

“I would bring Ashwin in place of Shardul Thakur,” he added.

India will face England in the second Test at Lord’s, London, on August 12 (Thursday).

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin’s Competition Is With Shardul Thakur, Not Ravindra Jadeja, Says Deep Dasgupta