I can beat any batsman in the world, says R Ashwin

Indore, Oct 10: After capturing his 20th five-wicket haul in Tests to put India in a commanding position against New Zealand, a confident Ravichandran Ashwin declared that he can "beat any batsman in the world" at the moment.

Match scorecard; Day 3 Report

Ashwin took 6/81 in 27.2 overs as New Zealand were bowled out for 299, handing India a mammoth 258-run lead at the Holkar Stadium on Monday (October 10). At stumps on third day of the third Test, India were 18/0. (Twitterati hail Ashwin)

Ashwin shows the match ball during the 3rd day's play in Indore

The 30-year-old Ashwin, who entered the Indore Test with 14 wickets from the previous two matches of the series, once again proved to the nemesis for the Kiwi batsmen. He is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 20 scalps now.

The tall Tamil Nadu bowler emphasised that once he gets into a "good rhythm" he can dismiss any batsman in the world.

"When I start my spell it is all about getting into a good rhythm and be able to accelerate and get through the crease fast. That is what I really look forward to. Once I get into that good rhythm I think I can beat any batsman in the world. That is where I stand right now," Ashwin told reporters after the end of day's play today.

"I come into a series with a plan especially how Kane Williamson got out last time in Banglore when they came here (India). He lunged forward and got out at slips. He just lunges outside the offstump. That is one of the things that I will repeat," he added.

With his latest five-wicket haul in his 39th Test, Ashwin has moved to 4th in all-time list among Indian bowlers behind Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh and Kapil Dev.

Kumble has 35 five-wicket hauls while Harbhajan has 25 followed by Kapil with 23.

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