India’s Test specialist, Ravichandran Ashwin, recently picked the toughest batsman to bowl to in T20 cricket.
Ashwin has been playing T20 cricket since his first season at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009. From there on, Ashwin was fast-tracked into the Indian national side in coloured clothing.
The Tamil-Nadu ace has had his fair share of experience in T20 cricket with 278 games under his belt. Out of these matches, Ashwin rated former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, as the toughest batsman to bowl to.
Having played cricket with the likes of AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Andre Russell, MSD received the best compliment from the office.
“Toughest batsman to bowl to in T20, I always rate MS Dhoni to be one of the greatest T20 batsmen, especially towards the end. MSD one of the greatest captains India has ever seen, one of the greatest captains IPL has ever seen,” Ashwin said during an Instagram Live session.
Dhoni’s trademark finish in T20s is one of the most sought after events in the game. His records at the death speak volumes of his ability to finish games for his side.
There has been no other batsman greater than MSD to have the phenomenal record of finishing games or innings with a maximum.
Both Dhoni and Ashwin have had successful partnerships for both CSK and Indian teams. During CSK’s two year hiatus from IPL, the two also shared the same dressing room at the now-disbanded Rising Pune Supergiants.
Ashwin and Dhoni helped India lift the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he bowled the last over in the final. Also, the duo helped CSK clinch several IPL titles. Ashwin has been Dhoni’s go-to man whenever in need of wickets, or slowing down proceedings during the middle overs.
