I Didn't Like When Ravichandran Ashwin Started Bowling Leg-Spin: Graeme Swann

Ravichandran Ashwin established himself in the national team as an off-spinner and his records speaks volumes about his prowess. However, he continues to find a permanent place for India after the arrival of wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. In the meantime, Ashwin has been plying his trade regularly for the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), IPL and Ranji trophy.

In Tests, Ravichandran Ashwin played only one match in India’s tour to New Zealand, where he picked up three wickets but was overlooked for the succeeding games. Ashwin is fourth in the list of most wickets by a India bowler in Tests with 365 wickets only behind Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh. He has contributed to fore in the limited-overs as well.

Over the years Ashwin has developed plenty of variations up his sleeve. He briefly started bowling the leg-spin as well. However, former England spinner Graeme Swann, who believes Ashwin is not credited enough for his performances said that he did not liked the fact that he started bowling leg-spin briefly.

“In England or Australia, the whole game is different. In India, there is less bounce and more spin. So there is a bigger margin of error for him. He doesn’t necessarily need a bigger margin of error, but Indian captains can control the pace of the Test match in India, making him extremely effective. He has struggled in England because the conditions are more batting-friendly while facing spin,” Swann said in an interview timesofindia.com.

“When he came to England in 2018, he bowled beautifully in the first Test. But he had an injury before the Southampton Test and wasn’t able to finish his action. To be honest, he is a much better bowler than people give him credit for in English conditions. He doesn’t need to do a lot different. I just didn’t like it when he started bowling leg-spinners for a brief period.”