Ashwin is the best spinner in the world, says Viswanath

Viswanath praised Indian captain Virat Kohli's all-round batting ability and also called Ashwin the best spinner in the world.

G.Viswanath called Ashwin the best spinner of the world but said comparisons shouldn't be made of different eras.

The match-winner who conjured magic when the chips were down, Gundappa Viswanath saved his best for the most trying of conditions and situations.

When he made a Test hundred, India never lost. His conquests with the willow are fresh in mind. But then, which contemporary batsman has caught Viswanath’s imagination?

It’s the Indian captain Virat Kohli. While the wristy genius from Karnataka admires Kohli’s wristwork, he also appreciates his all-round batting ability.

Viswanath, in the city to receive a felicitation, observed, “Kohli plays proper cricketing shots even in the Twenty20 format. That’s what I like the most about him. He’s got wonderful skills.”

The little big man from the 70s and 80s said playing alongside the great spinners of his time was among the highlights of his career.

Viswanath, however, was not in favour of comparisons. “You cannot compare different eras. While cricket remains the same, the way it is played has changed. The equipment and the training methods are different.”

He had words of praise for off-spinner R. Ashwin. “Right now, he is the best spinner in the world. No two opinions about that. And he wins matches for the country with his bowling. What more can you ask for from a spinner?”