Ravichandran Ashwin comes as a package, his form will decide the outcome of Border-Gavaskar series: Ravi Shastri

As per former India head coach Ravi Shastri, spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin is going to be a key player for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hailing the 36-year-old, Shastri mentioned that the cricketer comes as a "whole package" and can decide the fate of the series.

Notably, Ashwin is currently the second-ranked Men’s Test all-rounder in ICC rankings and can contribute with the bat as well. Ashwin was instrumental in the third Test against Australia in Sydney (2021), where along with Hanuma Vihari, he played a remarkable innings to save India from a defeat. Thus, Shastri believes it’s not just bowling but also Ashwin's batting that could change the game as well.

Meanwhile, the 1983 world champion has asked Ashwin not to overthink about his bowling. Shastri said that he wants the cricketer to keep things simple. “Ashwin, you don't want him to over-plan. He is good enough to stick to his plans as he is real crucial player here. His form might decide the series. Ashwin comes as a package, he will get you important runs as well,” Shastri said during an interaction with Star Sports.

“If Ashwin is on fire, that might decide the outcome of the series. He is world-class in most conditions but in Indian conditions, he is lethal. If the ball starts spinning and there is enough bite off the surface, he will trouble most batters. So, you don't want Ashwin to overthink and try too many things. Just keep it there and let the pitch do the rest because as it is, it does enough in India,” he added.

Shastri picks Kuldeep Yadav over Axar Patel as third spinner

The debate concerning India’s third spinner is one of the most discussed topics in the recent past. However, Shastri believes that Kuldeep Yadav should get the green light as Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are pretty similar bowlers.

“As far as third spinner is concerned, I would like to see Kuldeep play straightaway. Jadeja and Axar are pretty similar bowlers. Kuldeep is different. If you lose the toss on Day 1, you need someone who will give it a rip. If anyone spins it one Day 1, it will be Kuldeep. If the track doesn't have too much on offer, then Kuldeep can come into play,” Shastri explained.

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