India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin played his 100th Test match against England at Dharamsala. Despite having all the experience under his belt, Ashwin has never shied away from experimenting and learning at the top level.
Be it bowling different deliveries, with different angles and action, Ashwin has tried it all. And he has savored success as he has always evolved at the International level. Ashwin has never been a one-trick pony and has made the most of different arrows in his quiver.
Ashwin returned with figures of 5-77 in the second essay of the fifth Test match and played a key role in India’s innings win of 64 runs. This was Ashwin’s 36th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, the most for any bowler. The off-spinner bagged a total of 26 wickets in five Test matches against England at an average of 24.81.
Ashwin said he tries to always get better in the modern era with so much technology being used at the top level.
Ravichandran Ashwin said after India’s win on JioCinema when asked about his constant thought to experiment, “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.”
On why he tries to experiment so much, he added, “I feel times have rolled along. With the number of footage 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 has helped me. Can’t say this is the only way.”
Ashwin also showered praise on Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up seven wickets in the last Test. Yadav bagged a total of 19 wickets in four Test matches at an average of 20.16.
Ashwin concluded, “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 10 months is so heartening to see. I can’t be more happy for somebody.”
Ashwin will be seen in action while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
