Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spin bowlers, has had an illustrious career, boasting over 500 Test wickets and more than a decade of representing the national team. His ability to outsmart batsmen has contributed to numerous victories for India. However, the effectiveness of Ashwin against two of India’s greatest batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, has long been a topic of debate among cricket enthusiasts. In a recent interview, Ashwin shed light on this intriguing question.
Ashwin’s Insights on Facing Batsmen
In a candid conversation with independent journalist Vimal Kumar on the Vimal Channel’s YouTube platform, Ashwin addressed the challenges he encounters from modern-day batsmen. When queried about which batsmen posed the most difficulty, Ashwin distinguished himself by stating he found little difficulty in dismissing most players. However, he did acknowledge challenges posed by prominent international players such as England’s Joe Root and Australia’s Steve Smith, emphasizing their superior performance against his spin.
Ashwin’s Revelation about Rohit and Virat
The discussion took an interesting turn as Ashwin recounted his experiences against Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during training sessions. Responding to a question about whether he faced difficulties against these stalwarts in the nets, he confidently asserted that he has dismissed both batsmen numerous times. Ashwin humorously mentioned that there were occasions when he was compelled to applaud their efforts from behind the nets, illustrating the intense competition and camaraderie that exists among teammates.
Fans React to Ashwin’s Claims
Ashwin’s revelations have triggered a wave of reactions among fans. Some supporters find his claims fascinating and applaud his honesty, while others express skepticism about the notion that he could consistently dismiss Kohli and Sharma, two of the most prolific run-scorers in cricket history.
Ashwin Compares Batsmen’s Skills
Further in the interview, Ashwin noted that he perceives certain foreign batsmen to have excelled beyond Rohit and Virat. When asked about the best cover drive he has witnessed, he named former England opener Marcus Trescothick, suggesting that Kohli’s esteemed reputation did not overshadow Trescothick’s proficiency in this particular shot. Additionally, while discussing the best pull shot, he opted for the legendary Ricky Ponting over Rohit Sharma, highlighting the impressive skills of international batting greats.
Concluding Thoughts
Ashwin’s insights not only shed light on his rivalry and respect for fellow Indian stars but also explore the broader competitive landscape of cricket, emphasizing the rich talent present in international cricket. His comments provide a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of training among elite players and underline the continuous evolution of batting techniques across different eras.
