Monty Panesar touts Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin to be the gamechangers for India against England

As India gear up for a much anticipated five-match Test series against England in home conditions, it is expected that the spinners will play a momentous role in shaping up the results. The last time England won in India was back in 2012/13, where Graeme Swann led the English turning attack, complemented well by Monty Panesar.

In an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, Panesar talked extensively about why India is one of the most dominant forces against spin, underlining their key strengths that make them indomitable in the home conditions. 

The former England spinner also earmarked Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin as the two key players for India against England.

Talking about Rohit and the Indian batting unit, Panesar said, “Indian batters are attacking against the turning ball. They are a bit more fearless. The key man for India is going to be Rohit Sharma. He's the Don Bradman of turning pitches. His record is unbelievable.”

He further added, “England have to get Rohit out early right through to have a chance of winning the Test series. If England can keep Rohit quiet, India will be going to Plan B. You then put the younger batters under pressure. That is going to be key.”

Monty then shifted his focus to Ashwin, stating, “He has had the mindset to keep adapting and bowling different deliveries. He has kept getting better. It's not easy all the time to take a lot of wickets on turning pitches. He's been given turners at home, but you can see the way he adapts all the time.”

He concluded by saying, “He's like an app, he keeps updating every six months! That's what he has done throughout his career. I always find that I am a student when it comes to Ashwin's bowling. I feel I am continually learning something new about his bowling. That's the asset Ashwin is. He is a brilliant bowler.”