Top-order batsmen should learn from Ashwin: Ganguly

Mumbai: England would have breathed a sigh of relief when they dismissed Virat Kohli in the first innings of the ongoing third India-England Test, in Mohali. With Kohli’s wicket, India were down to six wickets for a mere 204.

Their joy, however, was short-lived as Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin played another vital innings to push India’s score past England’s first innings total.

Ashwin scored 72 runs, and his 97-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja helped put India in a comfortable position in Mohali.

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly praised world No. 1 Test all-rounder Ashwin for his batting contributions, and asked top-order batsmen to learn from the offie.

“The top order batsmen should learn from him (Ashwin) how to bat when the team requires,” said Ganguly in an interview with India Today.

“Most of them have done it, the likes of Pujara and Kohli. Rahane is probably having a tough time in the series (against England) but that happens with anyone. He is a quality player. It is a comfortable situation for India when batsmen coming in at number 6 or 7 who is so consistent and who does it every time under pressure. It's a comforting thing for top order as well.”

Ganguly also praised Ashwin’s consistency with the bat.

“This was not the first time. Ashwin has done that (on) number of times and he keeps doing it. He has got such good technique and such good footwork on the crease. His batting looks so easy (on the eye).

"He has been remarkable with the bat since the tour of West Indies (in July-August). He has just got better and better. The best part of batting is that every time India need him, he stands up and delivers. It has been a remarkable performance from Ashwin.”