Does Ashwin hold the key to India's fortunes in the West Indies?

'They (West Indies) are looking stronger and in the middle of fine form. But I think India have the side to beat them'

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be the key to India's success on the Test tour of the West Indies, the team's first series under head coach Anil Kumble.

"I think Ashwin will be the key in West Indies," said Ganguly, who turned 44 on Friday, at his residence in Kolkata.

Fresh from winning their second World Twenty20 title, the West Indies finished runners-up to Australia in a triangular ODI series also involving South Africa to continue a glorious year that has seen them also win the women's WT20 and Under-19 World Cup.

"They are looking stronger and in the middle of fine form. But I think India have the side to beat them. I wish luck to (Virat) Kohli and (Anil) Kumble," Ganguly added.

Kumble begins his stint as head coach with two practice matches against the West Indies Cricket Board President's XI followed by the four-Test series, which begins in Antigua on July 21.