R Ashwin is still the best off-spinner in the world, says Muttiah Muralitharan

What's the story?

In an interview with the Times of India, veteran Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan revealed that he still feels Ravichandran Ashwin is the best off-spinner in the world currently. Murali affirmed his statement by giving some valid points. He also compared Ashwin's bowling with the other offies of the world before labeling the Indian off-spinner as the best.

The Background

Muralitharan is perhaps the greatest off-spinner to have played cricket at the international level. He was one of the key reasons behind Sri Lanka's rise in the world of international cricket. Though he has retired from all forms of cricket now, Muralitharan has been guiding young players with his experience and skills.

The heart of the matter

Murali, who is in India for an event took part in an interview with TOI, where he was asked to express his views over Ravi Shastri's statement that Kuldeep Yadav is India's no.1 spinner in overseas tests.

The Sri Lankan legend did not decline that fact but he stated that when it comes to off-spinners, Ashwin was still the best. He said, "Kuldeep has been bowling really well. But it's not for me to comment whether he should be India's no.1 spinner or Ashwin. When it comes to off-spinners in the world, I think Ashwin is still the best."

Explaining why he hails Ashwin as the best off-spinner, Murali said:

You tell me why not? Who do you think is better than him, Nathan Lyon? Well, I will go by the number of wickets that R Ashwin has taken. Yes, people may argue Lyon is taking wickets in Australia but he is supposed to take wickets there. Ashwin will take wickets where he plays, even I took more than 500 (of my 800) in the subcontinent.

While, if we talk about the top off-spinners in Test cricket currently, Ashwin, Moeen Ali and Lyon are the names which pop up in the discussion.

Australia v Sri Lanka - 2nd Test: Day 3

Australia's Lyon has taken 343 test wickets thus far in the 86 Tests he has played. He has an average of 32.24 while his economy rate is just above 3.

England's Moeen Ali has troubled the Indian batsmen a lot in English conditions, but his overall Test record is not that great as a bowler. Ali has 170 wickets to his name in 57 test matches. His bowling average exceeds 37 with his economy rate being 3.60.

On the other side, Ashwin has scalped 342 wickets in just 65 Test matches at an average of 25.43, conceding runs at a miserly rate of 2.84. These numbers just support Muralitharan's statement and prove that the Tamil Nadu born spinner is currently the best off spinner in the world.

What's Next?

Ashwin is undoubtedly the top off-spinner of the modern era and his consistency with the ball is unmatched. Ashwin will be seen leading the Tamil Nadu team soon in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, starting from 21st February.