Ravichandran Ashwin is still best off-spinner in the world, claims Muttiah Muralitharan

The Indian cricket team recently registered a resounding 2-1 win in the ODI series against New Zealand. The visitors were dominant with the bat but also had their bowlers to thank after the latter put in another stunning display with the ball over the course of the three One-Dayers. Wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal starred for Virat Kohli & Co. as they did earlier in the ODI series win against Australia last month as well.

Now, Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan has heaped praise on the Indian spinners but added that as far as off-spinners were concerned, he still held veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as the best in the world.

"Kuldeep has been bowling really well. But it's not for me to comment whether he should be India's No. 1 spinner or Ashwin. When it comes to off-spinners in the world, I still think Ashwin is the best.

"Who do you think is better than him, Nathan Lyon? Well, I will go by the number of wickets that Ashwin has taken. Yes, people may argue that Lyon is taking wickets in Australia, but he is supposed to take wickets there. Ashwin will take wickets where he plays, even I took more than 500 (of my 800) in the subcontinent," Muralitharan told TOI in a recent interview.

Muralitharan, who picked up a total 800 wickets from 133 Test matches, also talked up India’s chances of going all the way in this year’s ICC ODI World Cup which is scheduled to be held in England & Wales. 

"Well, of course the way they are playing they should be among the top two. England are the favourites just because the tournament is being played at their backyard and they have done well in the 50-over format of late. But India have been quite superb all around the world," he added.

The Sri Lankan veteran also lavished praise on Indian captain Virat Kohli who is tipped to break all existing records in international cricket.

"He was young back then and he is at the peak of his career now. From 28-35 is the peak of a cricketer's career but after 34-35, everyone will slow down. As far as records are concerned, nothing is impossible. It depends on how long he will play and how fit he is. It is also whether he can continue like this," Muralitharan concluded.