NEW DELHI: In the two-match Test series between India and West Indies, there was no official 'Player of the Series' award presented. However, former fast bowler Zaheer Khan expressed his belief that if such an award existed, it would have undoubtedly gone to Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ashwin had an outstanding performance in the series, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets at an impressive average of 15.00. He managed to take a couple of five-wicket hauls, showcasing his bowling prowess and impact on the matches.
In addition to his bowling excellence, Ashwin also made a significant contribution with the bat in the only innings he batted during the series. In the first innings of the Test match in Trinidad, he scored 56 runs which included eight fours, demonstrating his batting abilities as well.
Considering his all-round contributions with both bat and ball, Zaheer believes that Ashwin would have been the clear choice for the 'Player of the Series' award if it had been officially presented.
"He (Ashwin) picked up that 10-for, he was the main wrecker-in-chief, got 15 wickets, got a 50 as well. He had a terrific series. Virat (Kohli), Rohit (Sharma) and Yashasvi (Jaiswal) scored runs, but the main guy, who helped India get a result, was right up with his performance. My 'Man of the Series' would have been Ashwin," Zaheer said on JioCinema.
For the second Test, pacer Mohammed Siraj was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match, having held a five-for in the first innings, while Jaiswal seized the prize in the opening Test in Dominica. However, there was no official Man-of-the-Series announced during the post-match presentation ceremony, leaving some fans curious.
(With PTI inputs)
