The way people saw Virat was completely different: R Ashwin

At the start of the series, no one would have even dreamt about R Ashwin being a top-order batsman. Better yet, no one would have also predicted that Ashwin would perhaps go on to become one of India’s highest run-getters in the series especially after smashing a ton in the first innings and a half-century in the ongoing Test at St. Lucia.

However, R Ashwin has come out in complete praise for skipper Virat Kohli. The 29-year old off-spinner said that Kohli’s obvious leadership skills made most players and fans take notice of the 27-year old in a completely different manner.

“When Virat Kohli came in, we almost started playing for India at the same time. The way he was perceived and the way people saw Virat was completely different. It was the transformation from one particular generation to another,” Ashwin said. “There are synergy and similarity among us is the mutual admiration for each other. To me, he is someone who has taken Indian cricket and Indian sports to another level. He is someone you can take a leaf out of,” added Ashwin, who shares a great camaraderie with the star batsman.

Speaking about the impact made by coach Anil Kumble, Ashwin said, “It has been wonderful so far. We have been able to connect really well. He has been able to empathise with me being a spinner as to what he went through when he was a cricketer,” said the 27-year-old. “He has told me all the right things to keep my anxiety levels down as my expectation of my performances are really high. He has helped me in keeping the right balance and at the same time,pushed me at the right time.”

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