Ravichandran Ashwin’s journey through the recently concluded Test series against England was nothing short of monumental. With India securing the series 4-1 and maintaining an unbeaten streak at home, Ashwin’s stellar performance propelled him to remarkable milestones, establishing him as India’s second-best bowler in Test cricket. The final game, where India clinched victory by an innings and 64 runs, also marked Ashwin’s 100th Test appearance. Earlier, in Rajkot, he crossed the 500-wicket mark, ending the series with an impressive tally of 516 wickets and the record for the most 5-wicket hauls (36) for India.
Amidst the grueling series across five cities spanning over 30 days, Ashwin spared some time to reflect on the Test series in an interview with the online platform ‘Crikipidea’. During the conversation, the 37-year-old shed light on his bond with head coach Rahul Dravid.
I’ve played with Rahul bhai the player right from my initial days in the Indian national team. But with him as a coach, I’ve a special attachment. I can tell anything and everything to him, he’ll never mistake me. Even if he’s in the wrong that is,” Ashwin expressed.
Read More: L’Oréal Paris Revolutionizes Haircare with Total Repair 5 Franchise Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
“We’ve built such a relationship. But at the same time, there is this respect that I have on him. I have this little fear that comes from a lot of respect and a license to talk anything with him. I don’t know how else to say it. It is such a bond,” he added.
Throughout the Test series against England, Ashwin experimented with various actions and speeds. At the post-match presentation following the conclusion of the Dharamshala Test, he emphasized the significance of experimentation while blocking out external distractions, particularly in the diverse Indian conditions.
“Throughout the series I have gone to different actions, speeds and releases. India is different, each ground has a challenge. I am least bit insecure about what people feel about me. If I am confident that I can try something, I don’t hold back. I have kept my ears and eyes open to listen to good feedback,” Ashwin explained.
“Unless I try, I will never be able to learn. I am not saying sticking to one method won’t work. But thankfully experimenting and learning has helped me,” he elaborated.
Ashwin singled out his performances on Saturday (5/77) and in England’s second innings at Ranchi (5/51) as his standout moments in the five-match series.
“I was really happy with the way the ball came out (in those spells), as most pleased with this performance and the second innings in Ranchi. In India sometimes the beauty is what’s gone by. What went by was on his head (the way he set up Ollie Pope in Ranchi). I was expecting him to reverse there,” he concluded.
