Ashwin is the bowling captain, says Ojha

New Delhi

Ashwin, 34, is the highest Test wicket-taker in the India team with 375 scalps and was instrumental in the visitor’s win over Australia in Melbourne in the ongoing Test series.

“Ashwin knows exactly what he wants to do. He is not a rookie anymore. He has been to Australia and now, he doesn’t have to play for his spot. That is the most important thing for a player,” Ojha said on Saturday.

“Once you don’t have the fear of getting dropped from the team over poor performance, your body language changes. You have a little bit of cushion to do certain things,” added Ojha.

Ashwin has taken 10 wickets in the two matches so far, making him the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series alongside Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins. The off-spinner has dismissed the dangerous Steve Smith twice this series before the former Australia captain could make a significant contribution to the host’s scoreline.

“He is a guy who has picked up 375 Test wickets. So, I think that he should be a good planner. But the only difference I see is, mentally he is there. He thinks that it is him who has to do well for his team and he is the leader of the bowling unit,” said Ojha.

“He is not worried about the alien conditions. Normally, when you are travelling to Australia as a rookie, you don’t know how the wickets are going to be or the Kookaburra ball is going to help you. Ashwin has gone past all these and he knows whatever the situation is, he will deliver,” signed off Ojha.