High time R Ashwin becomes a regular in Test playing XI, both home and away: Mohammad Kaif

New Delhi, India

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin should play both home and away Tests for the team. When India faced England in a Test series earlier this year, Ashwin was not included in the starting XI.

However, the right-arm off-spinner impressed in the just-finished Test series against New Zealand at home. On Monday, India defeated New Zealand by 372 runs in the second Test of the two-match series at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Ashwin was named Player of the Series for his outstanding performance.

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Kaif believes spinners need to be trusted, and Ashwin has done "enough" to earn it.

"Another Man of the Series for India's trusted match winner. High time Ashwin becomes a regular in Test playing XI. And I mean both home and away. Spinners need to be given confidence and Ashwin has done enough to deserve that faith. @ashwinravi99," Kaif tweeted.

During the Test series, Ashwin surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become India's third-highest Test wicket-taker. In his career, Ashwin has achieved 30 five-wicket hauls.

Jaydev Unadkat, Indian left-arm bowler also praised Ashwin and tweeted, "A 9th Man-of-the-series Award for @ashwinravi99

bhai! 9th! What a fabulous achievement.. #Legend"

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Meanwhile, with this victory, Team India has reclaimed first place in the ICC Test rankings. The victory against New Zealand also means India has won the two-match series 1-0, and Kohli's team will now go to South Africa for three Tests and three One-Day Internationals beginning December 26.