Ashwin can become a quality allrounder: Kapil Dev
CHENNAI: Kapil Dev, India’s 1983 World Cup winning captain, is of the opinion that Ravichandran Ashwin can shape up into a good allrounder. The legend, who was here for a valedictory function to commemorate the 50th year of Sanmar family’s ties with Jolly Rovers, spoke on the importance of Ashwin in the Indian team, why it is too early to judge Virat Kohli’s leadership among others. Excerpts:
What are your first impressions of Virat Kohli the captain?
It’s too early to answer that. Virat has just commenced his Test captaincy, and is just in his second full series as the skipper. I believe we must give him time – at least 4-5 years before judging him. Yes, Kohli has a good temperament, great potential, but give him sometime before we compare him to others or pass our judgement.
How do you view Kohli’s plan of going in with five pacers in the Test playing XI?
I think it’s a good sign. I believe the thought process of the Indian team has changed over the last 10-15 years. We have changed from going from not wanting to lose – to going all out in order to win. It takes a lot of guts to go with 5 bowlers, but if you have someone like Ashwin who can bat as well as he did in the opening Test against West Indies, then it’s a great. You do need quality allrounders on which you build a high-quality team.
Is it fair to say India have finally found a quality allrounder in Ashwin?
I think in a short span of time – Ashwin has shown all the signs of being the all-rounder India have needed. He has achieved everything – in terms of scoring over 1000 runs and scalping close to 200 wickets in Tests. If I am not wrong, Ashwin has done better than even Ian Botham in Tests when you consider the number of matches played. So, one must respect that.
How do you view the current crop of fast bowlers in the Indian line-up?
You have to doff your hat off for the way this team depends on fast bowlers to deliver the goods. Each one of our pace bowlers has the potential to deliver and it’s all about going out there and doing what the team needs.
It’s early days, but do you see the nucleus of the current Test team can do well in all conditions?
Who was the best captain you played under?
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