Dharamshala: As Ravichandran Ashwin gears up to mark his 100th Test appearance in the upcoming match against England in Dharamshala, he raises pertinent questions about his sporadic opportunities in the playing XI. Ashwin’s illustrious career has seen him achieve remarkable feats, including joining the elite 500-wicket club alongside legendary bowlers like Anil Kumble.
R Ashwin’s Perspective
R Ashwin reflected, “I don’t want to sound controversial. I can compare this to a lot of other things that are happening in the world right now. But I genuinely do feel that bowlers play second fiddle to the batters. That’s because probably, batters just get that one chance. I mean you are knocked out; you are out. This used to play on my mind constantly: Why is it that I get one game to fail and why is it that somebody else gets more games to fail? Eventually I have made peace with the fact that the team needs to win. Even when I am not playing and the team wins after five days, I am the most delighted person in the dressing room.
When I was young, all I wanted to do was wear the India jersey for one day. Just because of who I am today, I cannot put my selfish interest ahead of the team. Yes, there have been disappointing days, but I have learnt how to deal with it, and I am extremely happy that I played alongside some of the great cricketers that India has ever produced.”
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Acknowledgement from Anil Kumble
Former India captain and legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble, acknowledging Ashwin’s delayed milestone, highlighted the challenges faced by bowlers like Ashwin, particularly during overseas tours where they often find themselves on the sidelines. Despite Ashwin’s undeniable prowess, team selection dynamics often prioritize batting depth over bowling prowess, leading to his intermittent exclusion from the playing XI.
In a candid conversation, Kumble expressed his belief that Ashwin deserved more opportunities, especially in demanding conditions abroad. Ashwin, reflecting on his journey, emphasized the role of team success over individual aspirations, acknowledging the disappointment of missed opportunities while prioritizing the team’s triumph above personal milestones.
Meanwhile, Anil Kumble extended his wishes to Ashwin, expressing a desire for the spinner to surpass milestones beyond 600, 650, and even 700 wickets. Kumble also noted his belief that Ashwin’s 100th Test match should have occurred earlier in his career.
As Ashwin prepares to etch his name in history as only the third Indian spinner to achieve the milestone of 100 Test matches, he remains focused on contributing to India’s success on the field. With India leading the series against England 3-1, all eyes are on Dharamshala as Ashwin prepares to make his century appearance, reaffirming his status as one of India’s cricketing stalwarts.
