A tale of two of the finest off-spinners, fifty years apart

Fifty years ago when India won a series in England for the first time, their most successful bowler didn’t play a single Test

Team balance usually scores over the record of individuals in selection. Fifty years ago when India won a series in England for the first time, their most successful bowler didn’t play a single Test. This was off-spinner Erapalli Prasanna, who in 25 Tests earlier had claimed 124 wickets including 49 in eight Tests in Australia and New Zealand. He was the best in the world. Ian Chappell, one of the finest players of spin, called him ‘maestro’ (he continues to do so). Even the English media were shocked at the omission. And now history seems to be repeating itself. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, with 413 wickets, this Indian side’s most successful bowler, found himself excess to requirements in the first two Tests.