Speaking exclusively on JioCinema, after India’s win in the first Test against Bangladesh by 280 runs, Team India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin described his journey as a cricketer and how he was inspired by Harbhajan Singh: “It was huge shoes to fill for me. I used to replicate his action and bowl in junior age categories, so he was a huge inspiration. When I came into the team replacing him, I never thought we’d both coincide at the same time, but it so happened. There were constant doubts about whether I could deliver in red-ball cricket because I came through the IPL, which shaped people’s perceptions. But Test cricket is a format I’ve adored, and I wanted to improve every single day. A lot of people helped me along the way, and I’m so glad to be standing here today.”
Ashwin revealed how his bowling and batting have evolved over the years in Test cricket: “I don’t think like, ‘I want to go out there and make a hundred.’ I genuinely aim to get a five-wicket haul in every Test match. But in recent years, my batting has become simpler than it was in the past. I used to confuse myself, overthinking as a bowler while batting, but now I keep it simple—watch the ball and react. Compartmentalizing both aspects was a challenge, but I feel like I’ve cracked it.”
He further spoke in depth about his relationship with Ravindra Jadeja: “There might have been competition in the past, chasing wickets and all, but in the last four or five years, we’ve started enjoying each other’s success a lot more. There’s an understanding of what kind of bowling we need on certain days. Jadeja is one of the best batters in the Indian team, and I might even say in the world right now. He’s got a solid game plan and is a trusted batter at this point in time. He calms the dressing room when he walks in and has helped me through difficult phases. We share a lot, and I think we’re enjoying each other’s company on and off the field.”
He also discussed the importance of his family and the kind of impact they have had on his career: “My father’s taken a step back. In fact, he likes me being home a lot more these days—he used to kick me out of the house to play but now embraces the time we spend together. My wife has balanced me out a lot. We are all ambitious, and that’s why we play the game, but the reasons to play the game have changed for me in the last decade or so. I don’t attach myself too much to results anymore. Several times when you want to hold on to something very tight, it starts fizzling away, and I’ve learned the art of letting go, and that’s quite the influence my wife has had on me.”
Catch all the live action from the IDFC FIRST Bank Test Series 2024 – India vs Bangladesh – 2nd Test on September 27, 2024, Friday, 9:30 AM onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on JioCinema, Sports18 – 1 (HD & SD), and Colors Cineplex (HD & SD)
