Ashwin the number one all-rounder

Team India's loss at Leeds gave the team a rude shock as the chances of a comeback in the current series against England appears to be a remote possibility. At a time when the likes of Virat Kohli and Chateshwar Purja failed as a front line batsmen, Ravincharan Ashwin shone well with the bat as a number eight batsman for the Indian team.  That was the only redeeming factor in an otherwise lacklustre performance with the bat in the match that was over within  days. Now came the news that the Indian off spinner tops ICC test all-rounder rankings to provide some solace to a belaboured Indian side. His show in the fourth test with the bat gave him sufficient points to add and with 372 rating points he tops the list in style. He displaced South African Vemon Philander and Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan to achieve this feat.  A dedicated approach to the game has brought him to this level. Despite being not considered in the playing XI regularly on overseas tours he did well when opportunity was offered to him at this level.  He was used as a stock bowler with handful overs given to him as a stop gap arrangement in the just concluded test match, he came up with wonderful show with the bat and made a mark at the highest level.  He earned name and fame and needs to be nurtured to become a top level all-rounder.  Indian team lacks a genuine all-rounder for a long time after the retirement of Kapil Dev and we got an answer in Ashwin doing the job with all the limitations. He is a trump card bowler as well if properly used with both old and new balls in long spells.  It is time to groom utility players in the side to meet the challenge posed by the world class all rounders and Ashwin is also included in the elite listKudos Ashwin

SHASTRI SEEK SUCCESS

Ravi Shastri is the blue eyed boy of BCCI. He always toes the line of
the cricket body. It is no surprise that BCCI runs to him every time.
He was a very average cricketer. The establishment played him in every
spot from 11 to 1 to ensure he remains in the team. To his credit, it
must be said that he grabbed what was offered to him. As a bowler,I
have nothing to say except that he was steady. One good thing about
Ravi Shastri is that he is not short of words and a good communicator.
He is also reported to ensure that others listen and act as per his
diktats which is good because the brats we have in the team need
someone to crack the whip.  It was somewhat easy for Border to build a
side in early 70s because he got disciplined guys and also because he
could set an example to others. The present Indian team suffers from a
bloated ego and sort of indiscipline. Let us hope that for the sake of
Indian cricket, Shastri is able to do something. His support staff of
Arun, Bangar and Shridar are also very good.  It is to revamp the
side.  Appointment of Shastri is not just for the debacle of Dhoni and
company but to make sure that the team comes out trumps after disaster
struck the side in Test match cricket.  It is time for revamp.