#2 Cool and calm, yet competitive
The best thing about Ashwin is not his off-breaks, but the calm head sported by his shoulders. The head that pivots him to bowl those very deliveries. Saying that the South Africa match is crucial will be an understatement. The equation is pretty simple though: winner goes through, loser goes home.
In a high-pressure situation like this, those not deterred in their focus come out victorious. They require patience and an ability to remain tranquil in high-octane scenarios.
Ashwin has that quality in spades, and plenty beyond. He comes from the Rahul Dravid school of aggression, where aggression isn’t displayed. It is directed: directed into seamlessly good performances.
India require someone who will bat, bowl and field with equilibrium throughout the strenuous encounter and the 30-year-old fits that requirement like a glove!
