Here’s the deal: India have won 5 of the 6 T20s they’ve played this year and already it’s the team’s most successful year in the format (ignoring the two years when the Indian team played one solitary T20 match and won them).
The 2-1 home victory against Sri Lanka was their second series win on the trot and also meant the Men in Blue tightened their grip on the top spot of the ICC rankings in the shortest format. All this considered, it is no surprise that among pundits, fans and even fellow players - MS Dhoni’s team are considered favourites for the World T20 this March and April.
Enter, Ashwin
A team sport it may be but India’s recent success can be largely attributed to off-spinner R Ashwin who has been nearly unplayable, particularly in the home T20 series against Sri Lanka.
The 9-wicket return in the home series against Sri Lanka has resulted in Ashwin bridging the gap between him and Sunil Narine, who continues to remain on the perch of the ICC T20 rankings for bowlers despite playing only 2 T20 internationals in the last 17 months.
Playing Within The Lines
What also stands out from that list above is that Ashwin’s is the only name in the list whose bowling action can be termed clean.
An off-spinner in the traditional mould when he takes the field in the white flannels, Ashwin emerges with a bagful of tricks – all within the boundaries laid down by the laws of cricket - and transforms into a different player altogether in the Twenty20 format, most definitely while playing in the sub-continent.
The 29-year - India’s leading wicket-taker in the format - recently returned with figures of 4 for 8, the best by an Indian in T20Is.
Ashwin, a Skipper’s Dream
What makes Ashwin a captain’s dream is his versatility; he is equally capable while bowling with the new ball – when the field restrictions are in force, while bowling the middle overs, or even if he is thrown the ball in the final stretch of the innings when batsmen look to clear the ropes at every given opportunity.
It was this aspect of Ashwin’s performance that stood out in the series against Sri Lanka.
I have a couple of variations when using the new ball. I want to keep the batsmen guessing, and wickets makes me a different bowler. I always have the courage to flight the ball.R Ashwin
Skipper’s Dream: Volume 2
What Ashwin offers, spinners seldom bring to the table. He is very good when bowling with the new ball, isn’t afraid to toss the ball up, has plenty of variations up his sleeve, generally bowls against the best batsmen in the opposition ranks and more often than not succeeds in dismissing them.
In the IPL, captain MS Dhoni has often used him to skittle out the most dangerous batsmen in the opposition ranks, and hence his incredible success against the likes of Chris Gayle, Brendon MCCullum, Kumar Sangakkara, etc.
Dhoni has utilised Ashwin in a similar capacity in T20 Internationals too, and the off-spinner has returned with plenty of success making the likes of AB de Villiers, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Faf du Plessis his bunnies.
Skipper’s Dream: Volume 3
Given his work ethics, his attitude, his
shrewdness and his recent form, Ashwin will be expected to play a huge role in
India’s campaign at the forthcoming ICC World T20 2016.
A look back at Ashwin’s career so far indicates that the off-spinner has always raised his game a few notches while playing in the ICC World T20.
Here’s hoping Ashwin can raise the bar
once again at the ICC World T20 2016.
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