Calcutta: Ravichandran Ashwin, through his performances of late, has become one of the most important members of the Indian team and limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said exactly that on Tueday when he described the off-spinner as an “asset”.

Speaking during India’s pre-departure media conference ahead of their tour of Australia, Dhoni said: “Ashwin is a thinking cricketer… His performance went down a bit and he was criticised for doing too many things, but I am glad he has come back well and he is an asset. 

“I have used him in all slots – from first to ten overs or in death. Good for me that he makes my job slightly easier when my fast bowlers did not do well. I have relied upon him. He’s been great.

Praising the healthy competition between the spinners in the Indian team, Dhoni said that outside the subcontinent, it will be a contest for one spot among the three spinning all-rounders — Ashwin, Akshar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.

“Yes, conditions are different for the spinners in the subcontinent and outside. Ashwin is our premier spinner and it is good to have Jadeja back. The two spinning all-rounders will be competing for a spot. Akshar has also played well in domestic cricket.”

He also welcomed fast-bowler Mohammed Shami’s return to the side after undergoing an extensive rehabilitation programme post knee surgery. 

“Shami has been a very good bowler in seaming conditions. He has worked hard on his rehabilitation and played in domestic cricket. We will see how well we can manage his workload with the World T20 round the corner.”

With World T20 round the corner, Dhoni said he is satisfied that India will play three T20Is Down Under as they start their preparations.

“Australia are a competitive side. When you compete against Australia, you always gain more experience. And with a few youngsters around, it will be interesting to see them perform,” he said.
“It’s good to have three T20s after the ODI series as we have ample opportunity to try different players in different slots.

Then we will be in a better position to finalise the playing XI at the start of the World T20. It’s an exciting time and a very important three ahead,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman. 

In the absence of Suresh Raina, who has been dropped from the ODI side, Dhoni said that either Gurkeerat Singh Mann or Manish Pandey will get to play in the ODI series.

“One of the youngsters — Gurkeerat or Manish Pandey — will get to play at either No. 5, 6 or 7. We have four very good top order batsmen (Shikhar, Rohit, Kohli and Rahane). No. 6 or 7 is the most difficult spot for a batsman.

“In the past we have tried many people, but very few have succeeded in that position. That’s why Raina was good. Depending on how well they play, we will evaluate. I feel No. 5 is good slot for a newcomer.”

According to Dhoni, the extra fielder outside the circle has made it difficult for the teams to go all out in the last 10 overs as was the case earlier.”