Ravichandran Ashwin’s exceptional performance in the India vs West Indies Test series earned him the unofficial title of Player of the Series, according to former fast bowler Zaheer Khan. Despite there being no official award for the accolade, Ashwin’s remarkable display with both bat and ball made him the standout candidate.
With 15 wickets at an average of 15.00, Ashwin finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series. His ability to consistently take wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, showcased his bowling prowess and had a significant impact on the matches.
In addition to his bowling excellence, Ashwin also made a significant contribution with the bat. In the first innings of the Test match in Trinidad, he scored 56 runs, which included eight fours, demonstrating his batting abilities as well.
Considering his all-round contributions, Zaheer believes Ashwin would have been the clear choice for the official Player of the Series award if it had been presented. He (Ashwin) picked up that 10-for, he was the main wrecker-in-chief, got 15 wickets, got a 50 as well. He had a terrific series. Virat (Kohli), Rohit (Sharma), and Yashasvi (Jaiswal) scored runs, but the main guy, who helped India get a result, was right up with his performance. My ‘Man of the Series’ would have been Ashwin, Zaheer said.
While no official Man of the Series award was announced during the post-match presentation ceremony, Mohammed Siraj was named the Man-of-the-Match for the second Test after taking a five-for in the first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal seized the prize in the opening Test in Dominica.
Ashwin’s dominant performance not only earned him recognition from former cricketers but also left fans questioning the absence of an official award for the series. His exceptional skills with both bat and ball played a crucial role in India’s success and should have been acknowledged accordingly.
As the unofficial Player of the Series, Ashwin’s outstanding performance solidifies his stature as one of the finest all-rounders in the game. His ability to contribute significantly in multiple aspects of the game makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Although the series did not officially recognize Ashwin’s exceptional performance, his achievements speak for themselves. The lack of an official award does not diminish the respect and admiration he has earned from cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. Ashwin’s talent, skill, and hard work continue to establish him as one of the game’s premier players.
