India call-up beckons for Murugan Ashwin as Anil Kumble seen with youngster

Murugan Ashwin, the newly-found leg-spin bowler in the Indian Premier League has been making waves in recent times with some terrific bowling in the domestic circuit. While this has seen him help his side Tamil Nadu enter the quarterfinal of the tournament, things were significantly escalated when incumbent Indian coach Anil Kumble was seen working with the youngster at Chepauk shortly before the start of play between India and England.

Murugan Ashwin was clearly mesmerized by the former India skipper who was one of the best leg-spinners in the world. Moreover, this also prompted a few to ask whether the reason for Kumble’s tips was that he was in the search of a leg-spinner for the Indian cricket team. At the moment, with Amit Mishra not performing up to the mark, a few names in the fray include IPL sensations Murugan Ashwin and even Yuzvendra Chahal.

“It was a good interactive session. He was helping me out to rectify a few things. He said that I have good bounce, turn, and spin. He just made a few corrections so that I could get in line more often and be more consistent. I was bowling well and he just wanted to make a few corrections. He wanted me to finish across the body so that I could be at the stumps a lot more.” Ashwin has played three first-class games for Tamil Nadu.

Bharat Arun, the former Indian bowling coach has worked with Chahal in the domestic circuit in recent times while commending his skills as a bowler. Arun is also involved with the Royal Challengers Bangalore and only has praise for the youngster.  “He has terrific skills and ingredients to be a match-winner. However, I feel he has to be a bit more aggressive,” Arun told TOI.

“Chahal can be a good prospect for Tests. He has done a good job this Ranji (28 wickets in 6 matches). He is quite an aggressive spinner and possesses a good mindset. But he has to play more first-class cricket and prove himself,” said Arun and added that India does have a crop of young leggies in junior cricket who need to be nurtured properly.