Sunil Gavaskar credits Ravi Shastri for R Ashwin's transformation

R Ashwin did his career best so far when he took 7/59 on Day 4 of Indore test between India and New Zealand. The spell helped India whitewash the Kiwis 3-0 and cement the top spot in ICC Test rankings.

Everyone lauded the offspinner's breath-taking match haul of 13-wickets. Former team India captain Sunil Gavaskar is one of them. Though while praising Ashwin, Gavaskar gave the credit of his transformation to format team manager Ravi Shastri.

According to a report in NDTV, Gavaskar noticed the first signs of change during India's 2014-15 tour of Australia and Shastri being the team director at the time benefited him.

"Before the Australian tour, Ashwin usually bowled on middle and leg. But looking at Nathan Lyon, he began bowling outside the off-stump," Gavaskar told NDTV that observing Aussie spinner's bowling pattern also helped Ashwin.

Ashwin has been a major reason behind India's success in Test cricket of late, especially on the turning tracks at home. It has been due to the offie that captain Virat Kohli has been able to win five successive games at home, two against South Africa last year and three now.

Ashwin was expected to play a key role for India in Test series and in the long season with big teams like England and Australia in the months ahead.