IPL 2018| Ashwin is a natural leader, says V.B. Chandrasekhar

Ashwin's captaincy has been one of the talking points this season in IPL season. The Indian off-spinner has been widely acknowledged by cricket pundits and fellow cricketers for his sharp brain, game awareness, and reading match situations. His calculative decisions have proved vital for his team, which has kept KXIP closer for a playoffs spot, after winning six out ten matches so far.

Former India opener V.B. Chandrasekhar, who is doing television commentary in Tamil at this IPL, told “The Hindu” that he has not surprised at Ashwin flourishing in the leadership role, who possesses the qualities of a natural leader and also wanted to see him captaining Indian team 2-3 years back.

“I am not at all surprised with Ashwin’s success as a captain. He seems to be a natural for the job. I had even thought that he could lead the country some two or three years ago. What he has done at this IPL in his first year as captain is remarkable,” said Chandrasekhar.

Chandrasekhar also gave credit to Ashwin for nurturing young talents like Mujeeb Ur Rahman extremely well, highlighting matches against Delhi and Rajasthan Royals.

“Look at the way he has nurtured Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the mystery spinner from Afghanistan. He has used the 17-year-old, with success, both as a defensive bowler - like against Delhi Daredevils, which needed 17 off the last over and an attacking one, as in the match here against Rajasthan Royals last weekend.”

Praising the brave move by Ashwin, to drop Yuvraj Singh from the squad, Chandrasekhar observed that Ashwin is someone who doesn’t get carried away by emotions.  

“Another good thing I like him about his captaincy is that he does not allow emotions to influence his decisions, like the one to drop Yuvraj Singh,” concluded Chandrasekhar.