R Ashwin's Transformation Aided by Ravi Shastri's Tenure as Team Director: Sunil Gavaskar
Ravichandran Ashwin changed as a bowler during India's 2014-15 tour of Australia where Ravi Shastri was the team director, Sunil Gavaskar has said
- Dattaraj Thaly
- Updated: October 10, 2016 09:35 PM IST
Highlights
- Gavaskar says Ashwin changed as a bowler under Shastri
- Patience has been key to Ashwin's evolution, according to Gavaskar
- Ashwin took 6 wickets to put India firmly in control of 3rd Test vs NZ
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar on Monday said that Ravichandran Ashwin's evolution as a match-winning bowler took shape during Ravi Shastri's tenure as team director.
Ashwin's brilliant figures of 6/81, helped Virat Kohli and co take a massive first-innings lead of 258 runs.
With two days to go, the hosts are well on their way to complete a series sweep against the Kiwis.
Speaking to NDTV, the legendary batsman said first signs in the transformation of the off-spinner were witnessed during India's 2014-15 tour Down Under.
"The change in Ashwin's bowling was first seen during India's 2014-15 tour of Australia. He benefited a great deal from Ravi Shastri being the team director," he said.
Gavaskar also felt that the Tamil Nadu spinner observed the bowling pattern of Aussie offie Nathan Lyon on that tour.
"Before the Australian tour, Ashwin usually bowled on middle and leg. But looking at Nathan Lyon, he began bowling outside the off-stump," Gavaskar added.
The former India opener also said that Ashwin now was bowling more off-spinners, which has helped him pick up wickets. Earlier, the 30-year-old focused a lot on bowling variations.
Gavaskar also felt that there were two more reasons behind Ashwin's success.
"Ashwin has exhibited great patience during his spells. He is now planning dismissals of batsmen. Also, he has a good supporting cast that does not leak runs and mounts pressure on the opposition", he stated.