Ashwin only bowling at '60-70 per cent'

In an ominous sign for the world's batsmen, India's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin says he's only been able to perform at "60-70 per cent" of his ability this season due to an ongoing injury.

The off-spinner, rated the world's leading Test bowler by the ICC, has taken 61 wickets in nine Tests so far this season as India returned to the world number one Test ranking with eight wins from nine matches against New Zealand, England and Bangladesh.

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In some good news for Australia's batsmen ahead of their upcoming four-Test series, Ashwin has revealed the long home campaign has taken a toll on his body as he continues to battle a Sports Hernia.

But he's confident he can manage the injury sufficiently to be a menace to the touring Australians, starting with the first Test in Pune next week.

"My injury concerns have been a bit of an issue," the 30-year-old told the Deccan Chronicle. "It was on the back of my mind in the last two series.

"Against New Zealand and England I could perform only 60-70 per cent of my potential. I’m trying to get better and put more strength on my body.

"Sports Hernia is something that can’t be managed easily. It’s been a big challenge for me. It takes a lot of time to warm up these days.

"For me, trying to phase out the 20 days (of the series) is very important. I will get there in the most effective manner."

Ashwin has enjoyed a dream 12 months in Test cricket and claimed his 250th career wicket against Bangladesh last week, becoming the fastest bowler in history to do so.

While he's played just 45 Tests since his debut in 2011, the offie is on track to shatter a host of records due predominantly to his extraordinary record at home, where he's taken 187 wickets at an average of 22.

But he says there is a limit to his wicket-taking ability, namely the Indian record of 619 Test wickets belonging to legendary spinner and Ashwin's current coach Anil Kumble.

"It’s a massive achievement to go anywhere near Murali’s tally of 800 wickets," Ashwin said of the all-time Test wicket-taking record held by Sri Lankan great Muthiah Muralidaran.

"If I get there, it would be like surpassing my human limit. I started playing Tests a bit late and I have always fought against the odds.

"And, I don’t think I would want to extend one wicket more than what Anil Kumble achieved. That’s a matter of honour."

The threat of Ashwin will undoubtedly dominate Australia's thinking heading into their four-Test series and quelling his influence would go a long way to the tourists securing their first Test win in India since 2004.

One of the men looking to unsettle the home side's linchpin is Aussie opener David Warner, who was dismissed twice by Ashwin on Australia's tour of India in 2013.

Speaking to India Today, Warner said winning the mental battle against the wily Ashwin will be crucial to bringing him down.

"Ashwin has a strong mind (because) thinks as a batter not a bowler," Warner said.

"I think that's why he has a lot of success in India. Me, as a batsman, has to think harder to see what his plans are.

"It's about working hard, preparing, having your game plan.

 "It's going to be a great battle, not just me and Ashwin, but everyone."