Mike Hussey, Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav
Mike Hussey backed Ashwin ahead of Kuldeep Yadav in the Test XI. Photo Credit: BCCI.

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly feels ace off-spinner Ravichandran deserves a lot more chances in overseas conditions, particularly in the Test cricket to prove his credentials.

Ashwin has been dropped from the limited-overs side along with Ravindra Jadeja. Many critics stated Kuldeep should be picked ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja. However, Ganguly feels that Ashwin still has a place in the Test side.

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Interestingly, left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav has been quite a revelation for Team India in the recent past. He has done a wonderful job for India whenever he has given an opportunity. He bowled brilliantly in a couple of limited-overs matches against England where he ended up securing five and six wickets respectively.

Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin
has a lot on his shoulders. Photo by Ron Gaunt / BCCI / SPORTZPICS

But Kuldeep’s consistent performances have prompted many to speak of him highly. He is a big possibility to be included in the XI for the opening Test which is slated to kick off at Edgbaston in Birmingham on August 1st.

In addition, it might also mean that Kuldeep will be the sole spinner in the team.

“You can’t let Ashwin fade away so quickly because 300 wickets is not a matter of joke,” said Ganguly.

“Ashwin has a place in the side. He will reinvent himself because he feels challenged, he knows Kuldeep is up for his Test spot; you saw the leg spin in the IPL, he will get better and he deserves a lot more opportunities,” Ganguly added.

Ravichandran Ashwin boasts of a great record in home conditions. He has bagged 225 wickets in 36 home Test matches at an astonishing average of 22.79. Sourav Ganguly is somewhat confident to see the Tamil Nadu-based bowler delivering desired results in Test cricket.

However, his away record is pretty poor, to say the least. He has played 15 matches in Australia, England, South Africa and Windies. The offie has managed to bag only 48 wickets at an average of 40.97.

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Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin knows what he has in his arsenal. Image Courtesy: Getty Images.

Kuldeep is expected to be part of the XI in the 1st Test:

Kuldeep has been part of only a couple of Tests so far in his career. He has managed to bag nine wickets in two Tests. Kuldeep scalped out four 68 in his Test debut against Australia in Dharamsala. But Ganguly sounded optimistic of India’s chances in the five-match Test series.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Sourav Ganguly
Ravichandran Ashwin is backed by the former skipper Sourav Ganguly. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

While Ashwin s home record speaks for itself with 225 wickets in 36 matches at an average of 22.79, his away record (barring Sri Lanka) is nothing to write home about. In 15 matches played in Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies he has managed 48 wickets at an average of 40.97.

In the two Tests, the Uttar Pradesh-based bowler has played (in India and in Sri Lanka).

However, Ganguly feels that the team is going to do something very special in England this time around.

“I really feel this team is going to do something special (in England),” added Ganguly.

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