Sourav Ganguly : Ashwin will be the key in West Indies

R Ashwin has been India’s best bowler in the last two Test series with him picking two back-to-back Man of the Series awards to help India defeat Sri Lanka 2-1 away and South Africa 3-0 at home. Ashwin, who is ranked No.2 in the ICC Test bowler rankings, picked 21 wickets in three Test matches in Sri Lanka and 31 wickets in four matches against South Africa. With the 29-year-old being India’s best bowler by a big margin, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes that the Tamil Nadu cricketer will be the key man for India in West Indies.

"I think Ashwin will be the key in West Indies," Ganguly, who turned 44 on Friday, said at his residence, reported NDTV.

Also, read: Ashwin – superstar bowler in the making

West Indies, who are ranked eighth in ICC Test rankings, are coming to the Test arena on the back of the World T20 title triumph and a runner-up finish in the ODI tri-series, which also included Australia and South Africa. But, Ganguly believes that India have the side to defeat West Indies.

"They are looking stronger and in the middle of a fine form. But I think India have the side to beat them. I wish luck to (Virat) Kohli and (Anil) Kumble," Ganguly added.

Also, read: Anil Kumble | Can the legendary bowler transform into a great coach?

India will begin their Tour of West Indies with two warm-up matches against WICB President's XI from July 9-11, and 13-16 followed by the four Tests from July 21-August 22.