Kapil Dev : Ashwin has done better than even Ian Botham in Tests as an all-rounder

ByArun S Kaimal, SportsCafe Editor

07/30/2016

Legendary all-rounder and India’s 1983 World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev on Friday said that Ravichandran Ashwin has done better that even Ian Botham in Tests as an all-rounder. Kapil Dev also expressed his views on Virat Kohli’s captaincy and the current crop of pacers in India.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s man of the match performance, which included a century and a seven-wicket haul, against the Windies in the first Test at Antigua has once again started the discussions about whether the off-spinner is the answer to India’s never-ending search for a genuine all-rounder. The latest to join the discussion is India’s greatest all-rounder Kapil Dev. Speaking at a function in Chennai, the 57-year-old praised the performance of Ashwin and said that the Tamil Nadu cricketer has done enough to earn the tag of an all-rounder in a short span of time.

I think in a short span of time - Ashwin has shown all the signs of being the all-rounder India have needed. He has achieved everything - in terms of scoring over 1000 runs and scalping close to 200 wickets in Tests. If I am not wrong, Ashwin has done better than even Ian Botham in Tests when you consider the number of matches played. So, one must respect that."

“I think in a short span of time - Ashwin has shown all the signs of being the all-rounder India have needed. He has achieved everything - in terms of scoring over 1000 runs and scalping close to 200 wickets in Tests. If I am not wrong, Ashwin has done better than even Ian Botham in Tests when you consider the number of matches played. So, one must respect that,” said Kapil Dev, reported Times of India.

Also, read : Ravichandran Ashwin | The genuine all-rounder who India kept under the wraps

When asked about his impressions of Virat Kohli as a captain, the 1983 World Cup winning captain said that it is too early to pass a judgement on the Delhiite.

“It's too early to answer that. Virat has just commenced his Test captaincy, and is just in his second full series as the skipper. I believe we must give him time - at least 4-5 years before judging him. Yes, Kohli has a good temperament, great potential, but give him some time before we compare him to others or pass our judgement,” said the former India captain.

Kapil Dev also praised Kohli and the Indian team for going in with five bowlers in the first Test at Antigua and opined that the team has gone from not wanting to lose to going all out for a win.

I think it's a good sign. I believe the thought process of the Indian team has changed over the last 10-15 years. We have changed from going from not wanting to lose - to going all out in order to win. It takes a lot of guts to go with 5 bowlers, but if you have someone like Ashwin who can bat as well as he did in the opening Test against West Indies, then it's a great. You do need quality all-rounders on which you build a high-quality team."

“I think it's a good sign. I believe the thought process of the Indian team has changed over the last 10-15 years. We have changed from going from not wanting to lose - to going all out in order to win. It takes a lot of guts to go with 5 bowlers, but if you have someone like Ashwin who can bat as well as he did in the opening Test against West Indies, then it's a great. You do need quality all-rounders on which you build a high-quality team,” said Kapil Dev, reported TOI.

The former fast-bowling all-rounder also expressed his opinion on the current crop of pacers in India and said that all the pacers in the Indian team have the potential to deliver what the team needs.

“You have to doff your hat off for the way this team depends on fast bowlers to deliver the goods. Each one of our pace bowlers has the potential to deliver and it's all about going out there and doing what the team needs,” said the 57-year-old before signing off.

Also, read: Virat Kohli | The 5-year long journey from Jamaica to Antigua