Former Indian coach and spinner Anil Kumble has praised Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of his historic 100th Test, highlighting the contrast in admiration for bowlers and batsmen in India.
Ashwin, 37, joined Kumble as the second Indian bowler to reach the 500-wicket milestone in Tests during the ongoing England series in Rajkot. His 100th Test will make him the 14th Indian cricketer to achieve this feat in the final match of the series in Dharamsala.
In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Kumble expressed the belief that people would truly understand Ashwin’s qualities and influence only when he decides to retire from the game.
“With some players, people miss what they brought to the table after they have retired, right? Some players are like that.”
“Maybe people will realise the quality of Ash…. I know people are talking about him and what he has achieved already but especially in a country like India, bowlers don’t get the same kind of adulation that batters do. That’s the nature of how we look at cricket in our country,” said Kumble.
Kumble also praised Ashwin’s intense desire and enthusiasm for the game, referring to him as a leader within the team.
“We will probably realise his quality when retires and moves on. But in my book, Ash is in the top tier of players who have played for the country. I love his passion and hunger for the game.”
“Apart from his bowling, he adds a lot more value both with his batting and his inputs on the field. Although he has not ever been given the position of a captain officially, he has always been a leader within the group and that’s something he can be proud of,” added Kumble.
Ashwin holds an impressive Test bowling record, securing 507 wickets in 99 matches at an average of 23.91, featuring 35 five-wicket hauls. Additionally, he has made a significant impact with the bat, amassing 3,309 runs at an average of over 26, including five centuries.
“The reason for his non-selection during India’s overseas tours is uncertain”- Anil Kumble
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Anil Kumble expressed astonishment at the consistent exclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin from the Test side when India competes outside the subcontinent.
Despite opting for a five-bowler strategy, India typically relies on four seamers and a lone spinner, usually Ravindra Jadeja, in SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) in recent years.
Ashwin has faced challenges outside the subcontinent, as reflected in his bowling average exceeding 40 in Australia and South Africa.
“No one is sure why he doesn’t get picked when India travel outside of the subcontinent. That’s a bit strange, something I always have been perplexed by. It did happen to me too, but his is very different.”
“We tend to look at a fourth fast bowler (now) than somebody who is a match-winner, which is really strange. In my case at least, we were always playing four bowlers. But when you are playing five bowlers, then to not play your two best spinners is a bit, I don’t know, strange,” said Kumble.
However, Kumble warmly congratulated Ashwin for joining the 500-wicket club and expressed confidence that the off-spinner possesses the capabilities to surpass Kumble’s overall tally of 619 Test wickets.
“It’s nice that someone else has been able to get to that. Ash is still going strong, obviously he has all the ability to surpass (Kumble’s Indian record of 619 Test wickets).”
“His ability to do exceptionally well as a match-winner, the consistency he has shown all these years, that’s a great hallmark. It’s not easy to do that. Especially in India, once you have raised the bar, to keep performing at that level isn’t easy,” concluded Kumble.
Kumble holds the fourth position in the all-time Test wicket-takers list, while Ashwin is currently in the ninth spot and stands as the third-highest among active cricketers, following James Anderson and Nathan Lyon.
In the ongoing England series, the spinner from Tamil Nadu has secured 17 wickets in four matches with an average of 30.41.
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