Haven’t seen Ravichandran Ashwin bowl so well outside subcontinent, reveals Harbhajan Singh

Right from 2011 to 2016, Harbhajan and Ashwin were in a constant battle for one slot in the Indian team. However, the former could not make a mark as Ashwin grabbed the opportunities cementing his position in the Test squad. Ashwin’s figures of 4-62 in the ongoing Test match did not harm to his reputation of being one of the best spinners in the world. Harbhajan, who is doing commentary for Sky Sports, acknowledged his compatriot’s effort.

“I haven’t seen Ashwin bowl so well outside the subcontinent. He has been a great performer but most of his wickets have come in the subcontinent. Wicket’s do not come easy back home either, but if the conditions are favourable then it boosts the bowler’s confidence,” Harbhajan told TOI.

The fact that Ashwin stuck to the basics and did not overdo his variations impressed Harbhajan the most. Speaking of which he said that the flighted deliveries are more effective in England than the googlies and the carrom balls.

“When you are not focusing on your stock ball and keep bowling the googlies and the doosras over here (in England), you won’t trouble the batsman. It’s crucial to deceive the batsman in flight and let the ball spin. This is exactly what Ashwin did and I am impressed,” he said.

Speaking of the difference he felt in Ashwin’s bowling, Harbhajan stated that the Chennai bowler was bowling seam up and imparting more revs by bowling flighted deliveries. As a result, he felt the ball was turning more which offered a greater purchase in the English conditions.

“I think he is bowling seam up and there are more revs being imparted by the flighted deliveries. As a result, overspin comes into play. I think this is the best way to go in the English conditions,” Harbhajan concluded.