6 of India's greatest spin bowlers in Tests
Spin bowling is a difficult art to master. The minute details involved in this form of bowling make it a treat to watch. Spinning the ball perfectly isn't as easy as it seems to be, as it requires great skill, which may take years to develop.
The Indian cricket team has been blessed with some great spinners over the years. These players stood firm in tough times and graced Test cricket with their presence.
This slideshow looks at India's greatest Test spinners over the years.
#6 B.S. Chandrasekhar
Bhagwat Subramanya Chandrasekhar, often referred to as Chandra, was a leg-spinner. At the age of six, he was attacked by polio and though he recovered significantly by the age of 10, he still had a withered arm. However, Chandrasekhar did not let it dampen his spirit as he became one of India’s greatest spinners.
He has been one of those few athletes who have converted their disability into a strength. The leg-spinner's thin arm meant that he got more flexibility. He bowled very quick compared to an average spinner’s speed and had one of the deadliest googlies of his time.
One of Chandrasekhar's finest spells came against England in 1971. He took 6 for 38 as the Indian cricket team won their first Test on England soil. In 2002, this performance was named as “Indian bowling performance of the century” by Wisden.
The Mysore spinner also had the ability to turn the game on its head. One example of it is the India vs England encounter at the Eden Gardens in 1973. The visitors were set a target of 192 runs to win the Test match.
After some initial hiccups, the English batsmen looked unstoppable as they approached the target. Chandrasekhar was then introduced and he picked up three quick wickets, bundling out England for just 163.
The leg-spinner played his last test in 1979 and ended his career with 242 wickets in 58 matches at an average of 29.74. His numbers in matches won are more phenomenal. The legend scalped 98 wickets in 14 wins at an astonishing average of 19.27.