Kohli has taken Indian cricket to another level: Ashwin

Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has taken the country's cricket to another level, according to ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

"When Virat Kohli first came in, we almost started playing for India at the same time. The way he was perceived and the way people saw Virat was completely different. It was the transformation from one particular generation to another," Ashwin was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

"There is synergy and the similarity among us is the mutual admiration for each other. To me, he is someone who has taken Indian cricket and Indian sports to another level. He is someone you can take a leaf out of," added Ashwin, who shares a great camaraderie with the star batsman.

Commenting on his experience of working with current head coach Anil Kumble, Ashwin said the legendary leg-spinner had been a calming influence on him by helping him maintain the right balance.

"It has been wonderful so far. We have been able to connect really well. He has been able to empathize with me being a spinner as to what he went through when he was a cricketer," said the 27-year-old.

"He has told me all the right things to keep my anxiety levels down as my expectations of my performances are really high. He has helped me in keeping the right balance and at the same time, pushed me at the right time."

India are currently leading the four-match Test series against West Indies 1-0 and will play the third match at Gros Islet, Saint Lucia on Tuesday.