New Delhi, June 4: Former Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Test captain Shubman Gill can lead the batting for the Indian Test team in the coming years. Ashwin stated that if Gill continues to perform well, he will play a significant role in strengthening India’s new Test squad.
A single Test match between India and Afghanistan is set to take place on June 6 at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Ahead of this match, Ashwin praised Gill’s captaincy and batting skills. Speaking to JioHotstar, Ashwin remarked, “Shubman Gill had an outstanding series in England. As soon as he was made captain, he went there and performed well with both bat and captaincy. He scored runs under challenging conditions and handled the pressure of captaincy with maturity. This showcased his class and ability to bat for long periods. He has worked hard on his technique, especially in keeping his bat close to his pads, which has helped him reduce the gap between the bat and pads. This is why he has become stronger against spinning deliveries.”
However, since becoming captain, Gill has not yet played a significant innings on home soil. Nonetheless, Ashwin is confident that he will soon score big runs in India. He noted that Gill has the potential to play long innings and could prove to be the backbone of Indian Test batting in the future.
Regarding the upcoming Test match against Afghanistan, Ashwin also shared his thoughts on the Indian spin attack. In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, he identified Kuldeep Yadav as India’s main spin weapon. Ashwin stated that Kuldeep is currently in excellent form, and his deliveries turn both ways. His experience in home conditions will also be highly beneficial for the team.
Ashwin highlighted the importance of Washington Sundar’s role as well. According to Ashwin, Sundar is an accurate and economical bowler who can bowl long spells. Additionally, he has the ability to contribute with the bat, providing balance to the team. Ashwin also expressed enthusiasm for young player Harsh Dubey.
He mentioned that he is eager to see whether the team management gives Harsh Dubey an opportunity. According to Ashwin, Harsh has performed exceptionally well in both domestic cricket and the IPL, strengthening his case for selection. He added that Harsh’s recent performances make him a strong contender for a Test debut, and if given the chance, Ashwin would be excited to watch him play.
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