Ashwin most difficult to keep: Saha
KOLKATA: Kuldeep Yadav may have the mystique associated with the art and craft of being a ‘Chinaman’ bowler but it is Ravichandran Ashwin’s off-spin that challenges India wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha most.
Speaking after India’s first training session ahead of the three-test series against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens --attended by all barring Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja, who reached late on Monday morning --- Saha said in terms of variety, Ashwin has no parallel among India spinners.
“His (Ashwin’s) variations in length add to the difficulty. Jaddu (Jadeja) and Kuldeep don’t have as many variations,” said Saha.
Spinners need to be read right from the hand, said Saha. “If you do that, 50% of the job is done. Only then, do you need to make adjustments depending on the bounce and turn.”
And like with every acquired skill, Saha said he has got better over time in understanding Ashwin. “I do it better than before. We have played against each other in Ranji Trophy and together for India A and India. The more you keep, the better idea you have,” he said.
Among the fast bowlers, Saha said the unpredictability quotient in Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami’s bowling is higher than Umesh Yadav or Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“Often, their deliveries wobble behind the wicket. It doesn’t happen so much with Bhuvi and Umesh because they are special- ist swing bowlers,” said Saha.
Not among India’s most vocal wicket-keepers, Saha said his feedback is usually routed through the slips. “Since Virat (Kohli) or vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane are in the slips, if I have something to say, I tell them. If they are not, I pass it through whoever is in the slips,” said Saha.
Feedback on the Decision Review System (DRS) too is encouraged, said Saha. “We do it