After the half-way stage, India couldn’t have asked for a better start to the World Cup by remaining unbeaten with fours wins in as many completed games. R. Ashwin who was part of the last two editions believes that the current Indian team could dominate the tournament as Australia did in 2003 and 2007.
Speaking at the launch of his Gen Next Cricket Institute at Lalaji Omega International school in the city with state-of-the-art facilities on Sunday, the off-spinner said, “This team is a fantastic team and will dominate as Australia did. One of the biggest vehicles upon which we will succeed is the IPL. Many people had issues with it in the past but it has thrown so many more cricketers. It has constantly kept cricketers playing in high-pressure situations. The reason this team is far superior to other teams in the world is the way they handle the pressure.”
Ashwin also played down when asked about some of the suggestions that are going around to draft in Ravindra Jadeja into the XI. “When something is not broken why do you need to fix it. The stability you give to cricketers and individuals is what makes a big difference,” he added.
The off-spinner will now head to England to play county cricket for Nottinghamshire and said he was looking forward to getting some quality game time before the Test tour to West Indies. “It is important for me to get game time. I had a good time last year when I went to England. In the last year or so, since I don’t play all formats, my game time has reduced and maybe that might have been the reason I got injured here and there. So I am trying to address it,” the 32-year-old.
On his personal career path going forward despite not being part of the limited overs set up in the last two years, Ashwin said, “I think this is the best phase of my career where I am enjoying my game as I have always wanted to. I have worked hard to be in the space I am in. I want to stay there and take it as it comes and I am at peace with myself.”
Comments
SHARE