Follow UsIn the first three matches, Ravichandran Ashwin was still picking wickets, but he was a far cry from his legend in Indian conditions. The ball wasn’t turning much - even a greenhorn like Tom Hartley outbowled him in Hyderabad. But as they say, you can contain a bowler like Ashwin for as long before he spews the venom of his bowling to leave you intoxicated. Staying true to his reputation, Ashwin returned with a fifer in the second innings of the Ranchi Test before taking nine wickets in Dharamsala.
This was even more whirlwind for Ashwin for more reasons than one. He completed his 500th Test wicket in Ranchi before playing his 100th Test in Dharamsala - before his wife and daughters cheering for him. Ashwin couldn’t be happier and added that his last two performances were very pleasant.
“Feeling very happy. I can't really put a wrap around how I feel right now. Lots of well wishes before the 10oth Test. Throughout the series, I have gone to different actions, speeds, and releases. India is different, each ground has a challenge. I was really happy with how the ball came out and most pleased with this performance and the second innings in Ranchi,” Ashwin said in the post-match discussion with broadcasters.
He has continued his pursuit of trying out new things and implementing them during matches. When Ashwin was asked about the same and how he collected feedback on his actions, Ashwin added that he has never been fazed by criticism or someone else’s perception of him as a bowler.
“Firstly, I am the least bit insecure about what people feel about me. I have kept my ears and eyes open to listen to good feedback. Unless I try, I will never be able to learn. If I am confident that I can try something, I don't hold back.
“I feel times have rolled along. With the number of footages and video analysis going around, people can easily line you up and study you. Not saying sticking to one method won't work. Thankfully, experimenting and learning have helped me. Can't say this is the only way,” the Tamil Nadu spinner added.
On the third day of the Dharamshala Test, India secured a lead of 277 runs, forcing the English side to climb a mountain - pun intended - but they could only muster 195 runs. While Joe Root was sensational, others could barely stand the test of Ashwin, who grabbed five wickets in the second innings. Ashwin was very happy with how Kuldeep Yadav went about the business at the end, marking his coming-of-age in Test cricket.
“Far end I thought there was a bit more bite off the surface, and at the other end, there was some speed off the surface. With the new ball, I got some bounce and kick today. In the first innings, when Kuldeep came on from the other side, he was able to utilize it. The way the ball is coming out of Kuldeep's hands is unbelievable. Watch a wrist spinner in such flow and the kind of switches he has been able to make through the series and over the last ten months is so heartening to see. I can't be more happy for somebody,” Ashwin concluded.