India’s carrom-baller, spin wizard Ashwin bids adieu to international cricket
India's decorated off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his decision to retire from international cricket moments after the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.
Former India captain Saurav Ganguly on Saturday said he wouldn't be surprised if India swept Aussies 4-0 in the upcoming Test match series, commencing on February 23 at Pune.
"Yes, it will be very difficult (for Australia). As I said, I don't predict in cricket, but I won't be surprised if India wins 4-0," Ganguly said.
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Asked what made India, who have not been beaten since 2012 so dominant at home, the 113-Test veteran said, "Same thing that has made India dominant at home over the last 25 years – spinners. They just keep coming one after the other. (Anil) Kumble and Harbhajan (Singh) in my time, (Ravichandran) Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja now.
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"You just hand the ball to any spinner, you just give it to Amit Mishra, he wins you games. You give it to Yuzvendra Chahal, he wins you games. You give it to off-spinner (Jayant) Yadav, he wins you games. So that's what it is – spin. In India, you have to play spin well and bowl spin well to win, simple," he quipped.
It was under Ganguly's leadership that India came from behind and surprised Australia 2-1 in the 2001 series, played at home.
The former skipper also heaped praise on current captain Virat Kohli, describing him as a brilliant batsman.
"He (Kohli) is good physically and as a batsman he is brilliant," the left-handed batsman said to a query whether being supremely fit takes Kohli to another level.
"Yes, it was only a matter of time. (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni has been remarkable. What Dhoni has done over the years is terrific and its a cycle of life that somebody has to take over. Every good thing in life will be taken over by someone," said the Bengal stalwart when asked whether it will be easy for the team with Kohli leading in all formats.
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