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Can Ashwin be India's trump card in Mohali?

November 04, 2015 17:41 IST

Ashwin is our go-to man, says Virat Kohli

R Ashwin

IMAGE: India's Ravichandran Ashwin at a training session. Photograph: Getty Images

Calling off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the team's go-to man, ahead of the four-match Test series against South Africa, on Thursday, in Mohali.

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Ashwin, who missed the last four ODIs after suffering a side strain in the opening ODI in Kanpur, will certainly be India's trump card on what seems to be a turning PCA wicket and skipper Virat Kohli couldn't agree more.

"Well for the last two three years, he has been the go to man in Test cricket. He is someone who has done well in conditions that suit the spinners. Even when they suit you, you have to pitch the ball in the right areas and you've seen him take five-six wickets consistently in those conditions. He's definitely someone who has taken his game to the next level," the Test captain said.

"He wants to do well when we play away from home as well, which is exciting for any captain. The way he bowled in Sri Lanka proved to everyone that he is among the top two three spinners in the world. He is certainly believing in himself a lot more now that he is that match winner for India. He's that main bowler. As a captain, I'm delighted that we have a bowler like Ashwin in our team," he added.

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