Press Trust of India
Perth, Feb 24: In recent times, question marks have been raised about Indian spinners’ ability to trouble batsmen in overseas conditions. But Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli stated that the spin duo of Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have ‘proved their critics wrong’ after a flying start in the World Cup campaign. He also stated that the ‘R’ factor will play a crucial role in the tournament.
With convincing wins over Pakistan and South Africa in the first two games, no one can deny the role played by off-spinner Ashwin and left-arm spinner Jadeja. They have taken six wickets (four for Ashwin and two for Jadeja) for only 175 runs in 36.2 overs with an impressive economy rate.
“If you see, they were our two main bowlers in the Champions Trophy in England. Jadeja was adjudged ‘best bowler’. No one then had expected that our spinners will become the main bowlers. They proved everyone wrong then and even if you see here in Australia, they are again doing well,” stated Kohli, Tuesday.
The Indian vice-captain pointed out that a spinner’s mindset should be taking wickets and Ashwin did just that against Pakistan. He also regarded Jadeja as an attacking bowler who can be dangerous at times. According to him on big Australian grounds, one can reap rewards if the homework is done properly. “In Australia, you have long and square boundaries. If you bowl intelligently, you will be rewarded” stated Kohli.
Kohli agreed that not only the fast bowlers but spinners also hunt in pairs and it’s up to the duo to devise a plan before attacking. He also felt that it is not easy for a spinner to bowl with five fielders inside the circle and at times one shouldn’t just look at the wickets but holistically on the impact that even maiden overs can have on opposition batsmen. “Ashwin only got a wicket against Pakistan. But the way he bowled was absolutely outstanding.”
