Ravi Shastri may feel that R Ashwin isn't the No. 1 spinner for India overseas anymore, but spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan thinks otherwise. Murali, who was in the city for a cricket event, told TOI that the 32-year-old offie is still the best in the business.
There's a lot of talk around Shastri saying that Kuldeep is India's No. 1 spinner in overseas Tests. It effectively means that Ashwin is no longer an automatic choice...
Kuldeep has been bowling really well. But it's not for me to comment whether he should be India's No. 1 spinner or Ashwin. When it comes to off-spinners in the world, I still think Ashwin is the best.
Why do you think so?
You tell me why not? Who do you think is better than him, Nathan Lyon? Well, I will go by the number of wickets that Ashwin has taken. Yes, people may argue that Lyon is taking wickets in Australia, but he is supposed to take wickets there. Ashwin will take wickets where he plays, even I took more than 500 (of my 800) in the subcontinent.
But don't you think finger spinners across the world are losing relevance?
Wrist-spinners will always impart more revolutions on the ball and that's why they get more turn, it's basic science. Even though I was a off-spinner, I was probably the only one who used to bowl off-spin using a lot of wrist. For now, wrist-spinners are doing very well, but I still think finger spinners are more accurate than wrist spinners when it comes to ODIs.
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But Kuldeep and Chahal have made waves recently? Why do you think players are unable to pick them?
Yes, they are good and batsmen outside the subcontinent don't always know how to deal with wrist-spinners for the simple reason they don't play them as much. Yes, Kuldeep and Chahal have been very successful, but don't forget that they have hardly played teams from the subcontinent. It could be interesting to see them perform against the subcontinental sides.
There's a mystery element around wrist-spinners. Do you think India should look to play them sparingly in the IPL?
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I really don't think this mystery narrative around spinners work anymore. If a spinner is good, he will take wickets anywhere, there's nothing mysterious about him. So there's no reason not to use them regularly in the IPL.
How do you rate India's chances in the World Cup?
Well, of course the way they are playing they should be among the top two. England are the favourites just because the tournament is being played at their backyard and they have done well in the 50-over format of late. But India have been quite superb all around the world.
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You had seen Virat Kohli at a very early stage of his career? Did you ever think he will become the player that he is now?
He was young back then and he is at the peak of his career now. From 28-35 is the peak of a cricketer's career but after 34-35, everyone will slow down. As far as records are concerned, nothing is impossible. It depends on how long he will play and how fit he is. It is also whether he can continue like this.