/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/post_banners/LhfqS2fDaiPZbH6gnUkc.jpg)
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir was recently asked to select India's best off-spinner of all-time between Harbhajan Singh and R Ashwin. The veteran responded that Ravichandran Ashwin had been a crucial part of the Indian bowling line-up in Test cricket over the years. The off-spinner has been a prolific wicket-taker with the red ball and has played a crucial role in several memorable wins for Team India. Recently, Ashwin broke the 400-wicket mark in Test cricket during the pink-ball Test of the ongoing series against England.
Ashwin's outstanding performances have often seen him earn comparisons with veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh. Ashwin, who took over the mantle from Harbhajan in the purest format, has done an excellent job in leading India's spin attack. He has also successfully contributed with the bat. The all-rounder's numbers speak for themselves, and Ashwin continues to go strong at 34.
Ashwin is better than Harbhajan as an overall player and not just from a bowler's perspective: Gautam Gambhir
Ashwin recently became the quickest Indian player to complete 400 Test wickets. He achieved the milestone in his 77th Test. Only Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan accomplished 400 Test wickets in fewer Tests than the Tamil Nadu all-rounder. Gambhir selected Harbhajan as the better spinner and explained why the veteran spinner was the best. Harbhajan had the famous 'Doosra' in his arsenal and also deserves more credit for his 417 wickets in 103 matches. However, he also accepted that Ashwin is better compared to Harbhajan as an overall package and not just from a bowler's perspective.
With 401 scalps in 77 Tests, Ashwin is going to outshine Harbhajan's tally of 417 wickets soon. If Ashwin's grabs this feat, he will become India's second most successful spinner after the great Anil Kumble. Anil Kumble is India's all-time leading wicket-taker in the purest format, with 619 wickets in 132 matches.
India and England will play the fourth and final Test on Thursday in Ahmedabad. After the Tests, both teams will lock horns in a five-match T20I series followed by three-match ODI series. While the T20I series is going to take place in Ahmedabad from March 12, the ODI series will be played in a bio-secure environment in Pune, starting on March 23.