Former coach Ravi Shastri believes veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin easily fits into India’s best XI of all time, and that teammate Ravindra Jadeja is on track to do the same.
“I never compare eras, but the record that he (Ashwin) has – especially in Indian conditions – would make him a favourite to get into that (all-time XI) squad,” Shastri said (ICC).
During his illustrious 12-year international career, Ashwin has already claimed 463 Test wickets, and Shastri believes the right-armer is among the best India spinners of all time.
“In Indian conditions he’s something else. I mean, you’ve seen some great spinners in the past. He’s right up there. And the fact that he can get you runs at crucial stages makes all the difference.”
Shastri also believes Jadeja, 34, could join Ashwin in the running for a spot in India’s all-time XI if he maintains his recent good form with both bat and ball.
He (Jadeja) will start to get the credit (he deserves) now. There’s no question about it,” Shastri declared.
“The last year, year-and-a-half, he’s been simply outstanding because he’s realised his potential.
“He gives you nothing and it’s a nightmare (for opposition batters). Especially if you’re not in good form, and you are in the opposition as a batsman, you’ll have nightmares. You’ll have Jadeja in your dreams because the guy gives you nothing.
“If it’s a track where the ball is up and down, he can be even more dangerous than Ashwin. Ashwin anyway has the guy (with his) skill. But here, this guy (Jadeja) can have you on edge because one ball will skip through, one ball will turn, and he gives you nothing.
“His accuracy is so good that there are hardly any loose balls on offer.”