'He has been able to create pressure and get good batsmen out' - Dinesh Karthik defends Ravi Ashwin's SENA records

India’s premier spinner Ravi Ashwin is again in the news this time because of Sanjay Manjrekar’s comment, saying he is not yet ‘all-time great”. The tweet from the former India batter generated quite a bit of stir among experts and critics, who quickly came in support of Ashwin naming him a modern-day legend.

Tamil Nadu opener Abhinav Mukund too defended the off-spinner and stated that his records in the SENA –South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia countries are good and Manjrekar’s tweet may not be fully correct. Apart from Mukund, India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik too has now come forward to support Ashwin and stated that the off-spinner has done well in SENA countries picking 63 wickets in 20 matches.

In fact, the 34-year-old had a good series Down Under earlier in the year where he claimed 12 wickets in three Tests. Karthik felt the criticism was a “bit unfair “on India’s premier spinner who has claimed over 400 Test wickets. The wicketkeeper-batter said while speaking to Sports Today.

“When it comes to Ashwin, a lot of things have been said about his performances in SENA continues. I think it’s a tad bit unfair. Even if you see the way he has bowled in Australia, the pressure he has been able to create, and his ability to get good batsmen out.” Karthik said.

Dinesh Karthik backs Ravi Ashwin

Karthik further pointed out the off-spinner’s impact in the past five years by winning games singlehandedly and winning several man of the series awards for India than anybody else. Ashwin has now eight player of the series award and is just behind Jacques Kallis and Muttiah Muralitharan.

“As an opposition, you look at Ashwin and always think he is a guy whom we need to play carefully. He is not a random bloke who just turns up, he will have a plan, he knows what he is doing and gives you a lot with the bat at No. 8. He is probably one of the better No. 8s going around. For me, he is a fighter, a very skilled cricketer, and a student of the game who wants to keep improving. He will know what this Indian team requires from him when they travel abroad and I think he will try and fulfill that role to his best,” he added.