Recently, Ravi Shastri has stated that Kuldeep Yadav is Indian National Cricket Team’s first preference ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. The statement has made a lot of stir in the cricketing news, as few analysts expressed their concern. The latest to join the bandwagon is the highest wicket-taker in the world Muttiah Muralitharan.
Ashwin was one of the chief contributors to India’s success in the home Test season. He has bagged astounding numbers during the season to make things fall in place for the team. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav has got a lot of limelight after his performance in the Sydney Test.
For me, Ravichandran Ashwin is the best in the world – Muttiah Muralitharan
The former Sri Lankan spinner quoted that Ashwin has got the great ability to pick wickets in any conditions. Further, he added that Ravichandran Ashwin is his best bowler not only when compared to Kuldeep Yadav but also when compared to Nathan Lyon.
He believes that the numbers of Ashwin will tell the story. Muralitharan explained that Lyon got the technique to pick wickets even in Australia but he believes Ashwin is someone, who can pick wickets in any conditions.
”Kuldeep has been bowling really well. But it’s not for me to comment whether he should be India’s No. 1 spinner or Ashwin. When it comes to off-spinners in the world, I still think Ashwin is the best. You tell me why not? Who do you think is better than him, Nathan Lyon? Well, I will go by the number of wickets that Ashwin has taken,” Muralitharan quoted.
”Yes, people may argue that Lyon is taking wickets in Australia, but he is supposed to take wickets there. Ashwin will take wickets where he plays, even I took more than 500 (of my 800) in the subcontinent” said Muralitharan in an interview with Times of India.
Recently, regarding the same debate, Harbhajan Singh backed the statement given by Ravi Shastri. In fact, he felt that India is working their way in the right manner by finding that Kuldeep Yadav is the future.
In another story, the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad quoted that Ashwin is their first-choice spinner. All in all, as Muralitharan said, one can’t ignore the stats registered by a certain player in their specific role.
