Murali Kartik is not sure if Ravi Ashwin will succeed overseas

Indian spin ace Ravichandran Ashwin is having a golden run in international cricketing and courtesy his 12-wicket haul in the Mumbai Test, he has taken his wickets tally to 247 in a mere 43 Test matches. Despite his stupendous record at home, Ashwin hasn’t quite replicated the same form overseas and maybe that is the reason why former Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik remains doubtful whether Ashwin will carry his rich vein of form when the team travels overseas.

Kartik gave a very simple logic. The veteran spinner turned commentator said overseas conditions are drastically different especially in countries like Australia, South Africa and England so success is not guaranteed. “I am nobody to comment on that (whether he would extend his phenomenal phase overseas). Overseas conditions are very different so time will tell,” Kartik told the PTI.

Ashwin along with Indian Test captain Virat Kohli has been instrumental in the team’s recent success but for both of them, the major test will be when India travel abroad after finishing their long and grueling home season. Ashwin has undoubtedly been a revelation for Indian cricket but the tougher challenge awaits him in pace-friendly conditions. He averages around 20 at home and when it comes to overseas conditions his average rises substantially to 33.23 in 17 Tests.

Kartik also spoke about domestic cricket in regard to comments made by Sachin Tendulkar very recently. Tendulkar had proposed a format which will see two different balls being used in two innings-SG or the Kookaburra and the match will also be played in different pitches. The idea was recently shot down by the MCC. Kartik felt that only one brand (SG, Dukes or Kookaburra) should be used worldwide.

“My personal belief is that Kookaburra in Indian conditions doesn’t work. The pitches don’t suit the ball and after 15 overs, whether for spinners or pacers, there is nothing left on the ball.

“Worldwide, I personally feel we should have just one standard ball which suits everybody in all conditions. I talking from the bowlers’ point of view and not just from the spinners’ point of view. I don’t know in what context Sachin said it but this is my view on the subject,” added the 40-year-old.