Ravichandran Ashwin emulates the master

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R. Ashwin’s nine-wicket match haul against West Indies has given followers of the game in Tamil Nadu much to cheer about.

The 25-year-old became only the seventh Indian to take five wickets in an innings on Test debut. The list also features another household name of TN cricket — Vaman Kumar or VV to his legion of fans.

Old timers still recall the magic Kumar wove around batsmen and his astounding accuracy in spite of a craft that demanded the wrist to go against nature. Kumar too achieved his feat of five wickets on debut at the Ferozshah Kotla against Pakistan.

“They boasted of a strong batting order. Batsmen those days were technically better against spin and looked at batting for longer duration. It was a memorable experience,” recalled Kumar.

It was way back in February 1961 and India in spite of enforcing the follow-on were unable to record a win. “A win would have definitely made it sweeter. To compete against the likes of Hanif and Mushtaq Mohammad was a dream come true. My first wicket was Imtiaz Ahmed who was lured by a googly,” said Kumar.

Ashwin’s effort was the 21st best on debut and he also became the 28th bowler to take nine or more wickets in a Test match on debut. It was only natural that Kumar showered encomiums on the youngster “Ashwin bowled exceptionally well. He showed good control over flight and I am sure he will go on to grab many more wickets at this level,” added Kumar.

Sunil Subramaniam was elated after seeing his ward finish with a six-wicket bag in the second innings.

“Ashwin did everything right. The notable aspect was that he did not try and exceed himself. He kept the pressure by bowling tight and the wicket took care of the rest. It is a huge honour for Ashwin to emulate the performance of a legend in TN cricket. There was a lot we learnt from Kumar and if Ashwin can go on and become as skilful as Kumar, batsmen around the world will be in for trouble,” said Sunil.

Back in Chennai it was a quiet day at the ‘Ravichan-drans’. As is normal practice at home, mobile phones were not answered when Ashwin was bowling. So far the superstition has worked well for the off-spinner.

Ravichandran and Chitra were obviously delighted with Ashwin’s effort. “God’s grace and hard work. We just hope he keeps continuing in the same vein,” said Ravichandran.

Best debut performances by Indian bowlers

In order: Bowler, Figures, Opponent, Venue, Season, Result

* N. Hirwani, 8-61, WI, Chennai, 1987-88, won

* N. Hirwani, 8-75, WI, Chennai, 1987-88, won

* R. Ashwin, 6-47, WI, Delhi, 2010-11, Awaited

* Syed Abid Ali, 6-55, Australia, Adelaide, 1967-68, lost

* Dilip Doshi, 6-103, Australia, Chennai, 1979-80, Drawn

* Vaman Kumar, 5-64, Pakistan, Delhi, 1960-61, Drawn

* Amit Mishra, 5-71, Australia, Mohali, 2008-09, won

* M. Nizar, 5-93, England, Lord's, 1932, lost