SK Adda: Is Ashwin the best spin bowler in the world?

Sportskeeda Adda is where we ask you – the fan, the critic, the loyalist – for your take on cricket. In yesterday’s poll, we asked you if Ashwin is the best in the business at the moment.

Ashwin continues to be Indian’s preferred spinner

While a majority of you picked Ashwin (63%) as the best at the moment, there were others (37%) that felt he could still get better. Interestinly, Sunil Narine was one name that cropped up a few times. It certainly is a pity that audiences aren’t able to witness the West Indian “mystery spinner” go head-to-head with the Indian spear-heard in the on-going Test series.

Here’s a snapshot of some of your comments.

Yes

Anomitro Paul “The modern generation lacks quality spinners. Think about Subhash Gupte who played for India (among others). They focused on turn mainly, and line and length. Their aim would be to pick up wickets. These days, spinners don’t have turn and they usually play on batting surfaces. Ashwin turns the ball and he is focused on the longer format of the game since there is no competition, he can be named the best spinner now.”

Asad UL Ahad “No doubt Ravi Ashwin is a great spinner, but we should take time to call him the best in the world.”

Abhilash Preethy Venkat “Ashwin is certainly taking huge strides in the global cricket arena and has emerged as the best in the league of off-spinners. His ability to pick wickets in quick succession, his skill with the new ball, his competence to produce match-winning spells, his knack of breaking partnerships, along with a few clever variations makes him my pick for the best spinner in the world.”

No

Rakshith B J Raksh “Nope, because he has failed in overseas conditions. In his almost 5-year Test career, he picked his 1st 5-wicket haul outside Asia in the West Indies and they are a lowly-ranked team. He should perform with the ball in Australia, England and New Zealand.”

Nirwan Punn “I would pick Sunil Narine instead. Reason being he has a lot of variety, starting from off-breaks to carrom balls. Because of the ongoing dispute with the board and his action, he is not a regular in the team. Else, he is a great spinner.”

Navansh Agrawal “Sunil Narine is the best spinner because Ashwin has taken a 5-wicket haul for the first time outside Asia and that too against a weak West Indies team. When Ashwin will take 5-wicket hauls against good teams like New Zealand, England, Australia and South Africa (overseas), then Ashwin can be called No.1 spinner.”