YORKSHIRE CCC can be hopeful that Ravi Ashwin’s experience will be an invaluable tool for young spinners - while even senior players and coaches can tap into his knowledge.

Off-spinner Ashwin has signed for a minimum of eight Specsavers County Championship games from mid-summer onwards, following his commitments with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.

It has already been spoken about him potentially staying on at Headingley during the Royal London one-day Cup through late July and early August in order to help with some coaching.

“That’s still something we are discussing given the timeline of some of the domestic competitions in India," he said.

“I have been running a cricket academy in Chennai for about eight or nine years now.

“Rather than looking upon things as any kind of coaching stint, that’s how I like to play my cricket. I try and contribute to my fellow players with discussions each day about how we can get better.

“I wouldn’t really say (coaching) is an ambition of mine, more so how I play the game. I am a cricket tragic in many ways. So contributing to the development of our game is something I’m looking forward to.

“When I spoke to my agent, Niall O’Brien, I said, ‘I’m looking for a club where I can contribute and they are happy to take on the all-round element within the club’.

“When I went to Notts, I did help their spinners - Matt Carter and Liam Patterson-White. I really enjoyed my time with them. But, very importantly, I don’t look at myself as a some sort of spin bowling specialist. Whatever way I can contribute and help, I will do.”

Ashwin arrives with a friendly face already in the dressing room.

He explained: “When I played for Worcester, Mick Cadmore (current White Rose dressing room attendant) was there, and he is now at Yorkshire along with his son, Tom, who I have heard a lot about. That straightaway helped to join the dots for me.

“When you travel away from India and move to a new country, it really helps if you know someone already. But I’ve been coming to England for the last 10 years and playing county cricket for the last three. I think I understand the culture pretty well.

“Yorkshire, I’m sure, will be different because of locality and even weather. I’m looking forward to seeing how cold it is,” he joked.

Hot or cold weather-wise, Ashwin is very confident, from the conversations he has had with the Yorkshire hierarchy, that the sun will be shining brightly on the club in the near future.

He said: “I know the club is hoping to go through some wonderful campaigns in the next few years. They want to achieve a lot in terms of the overall - trophies and the development of players.”

Ashwin’s spin bowling is his primary asset, but his batting is not to be sniffed at. He will certainly add significant quality in the middle to lower order - or maybe even higher.

“I’m very happy with how I’m going,” he added. “The wickets are coming and I’ve started scoring some runs again,” he added.

“The confidence with my batting actually started when I came to Notts last year. I found my batting tempo whilst working with Peter Moores. He’s someone I really enjoyed working with. I personally thought that was when my batting really came on for me.

“I batted as high as four for Notts, so I’m happy to bat anywhere.”