Ravichandran Ashwin Will Inspire Youngsters To Take Up Off-Spin: Harbhajan Singh

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh might not have played a Test since August 2015; however, he has been ecstatic watching his successor dominate as equally as him. Ravichandran Ashwin debuted in Test cricket back in 2011 and has now become a prolific off-spinner and a handy batsman. Harbhajan Singh believes that Ashwin’s performances will inspire plenty of youngsters.

The recent home Test series against England saw Ravichandran Ashwin earn the man of the series award as he took 32 wickets in four Tests at 14.72 with three five-wicket hauls. Not only did the 34-year old deliver match-winning spells, but he also made a century in tough batting conditions against a decent England bowling attack. Overall, he has 409 wickets in 78 Tests at 24.69, with 30 fifers and seven ten-wicket hauls.

Harbhajan Singh pointed out that Ravichandran Ashwin is a clever bowler as he understands the things batsmen look to do. The 40-year old also believes that the Tamil Nadu off-spinner has a better idea of the conditions than most and admired for bowling him with plenty of control against England at home. Harbhajan also said that Ashwin has drastically improved as a bowler and will thus inspire many youngsters to take off-spin.

“Ashwin has been bowling really well for Team India. He is a smart guy who understands the kind of things the batsmen are looking to do. He understands the conditions better than many. Credit to him for the way he bowled with so much control in the series against England. He was a different bowler. But when you see him now, he is a completely changed bowler, and for the better. He is a proper, proper off-spinner. He is someone who will inspire many youngsters to take up the off-spin skills,” Ashwin told Sportskeeda.

I am really happy that I was blessed to play for India: Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh, who has represented India in 103 Tests and 236 ODIs and took 686 wickets combined, remains thankful to have the opportunity to play for the national team. The 40-year old feels delighted he could deliver compelling performances to make his side win games.

“I am really happy that I was blessed to play for India. And I am grateful for the things that have happened to me playing for Team India. It’s a kind of journey you always thought about saying: ‘I want to play for India and I want to do well’. God has been really kind. I am so happy that I could do some things for my team to win games,” he added.

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