India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, fresh from a series-clinching win over Bangladesh in Kanpur, has picked the future pillars and overseas stars of Indian cricket. Ashwin’s praise for the youngsters came after India’s seven-wicket victory in a rain-hit Test at the Green Park, keeping them on track for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The victory not only solidified India’s position but also highlighted the potential of the country’s emerging talents.

“Winning this game was important for us”: R Ashwin

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ashwin, who claimed 11 wickets in the series, lauded captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership and mindset in securing the crucial win. He revealed that Rohit was determined to push for a result, even suggesting that India aim for a total of 230 to give their bowlers a chance, reflecting his positive, aggressive approach. “Winning this game was important for us,” Ashwin stated. “Rohit was keen that we needed at least 80 overs to bowl at them. He set the tone by stepping out aggressively right from the first ball.”

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Ashwin names India’s future pillars

Ashwin shifted the spotlight to two young stars, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who he believes represent the future of Indian cricket. Both batters played pivotal roles in India’s series win, contributing with vital runs at crucial moments. “Look, I think Yashasvi Jaiswal is a special talent. He plays freely and willingly. He’s just started his international career, as is Shubman Gill. Both of them are still in the formative years of playing Test cricket, but I believe they will be the future pillars and overseas stars for Indian cricket,” Ashwin remarked.

Ashwin emphasized that while Jaiswal and Gill have demonstrated immense potential, their growth will depend on gaining more experience in various conditions. “It’s just that they need to be able to encounter more and more new experiences and be able to identify for themselves what they need to work on. The raw material is there, and it’s evident to everyone that both of them are high-quality players,” he added.

The young duo will be crucial in India’s upcoming home Test series against New Zealand in October and November, followed by the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia later this year.

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