In a candid interview, Indian cricket stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin recently reminisced about some of the defining moments of his illustrious career, shedding light on the highs and lows that have shaped his journey in the sport.
Ashwin, known for his exceptional bowling skills, took a trip down memory lane, highlighting key performances that have left a lasting impact on him. Despite boasting an impressive record of 35 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, Ashwin surprisingly chose three non-five-fors as his most memorable performances.
Speaking about these performances, Ashwin said, “When you finish, it is Test wins that stand really tall. But having given it a lot of thought, one of the finest spells I have bowled has to be the one in Birmingham in 2018. I got three wickets on the morning of day three. I got Cook, Root, and Jennings. I got seven wickets in the game. I felt like I had almost bowled India to victory in the game, but it didn’t happen. That has to be one of the finest spells I have bowled.”
He also mentioned his spell in Bengaluru in 2017, during which he bowled a marathon spell to keep India in the match after a dismal first innings performance. Ashwin’s ability to reflect on these performances with such clarity and detail showcases his deep understanding of the game and his craft.
However, Ashwin’s career has not been without its challenges. He recalled a pivotal moment early in his career, the 2012-13 home series defeat to England, as a major turning point. “One of the turning points of my life was the England series when Alastair Cook came here and made all those runs along with Pietersen, who had a great game in Mumbai,” Ashwin said. “Leading into the next series against Australia at home, there was a lot of noise about me being left out of the team.”
Reflecting on this period of uncertainty, Ashwin shared a valuable lesson he learned. “Whatever happens, we can hold a lot of complaints against somebody external or blame it on another individual. But for me, if you looked internally, you can improve at least by another 5%,” he said. “Until and unless there is something wrong with you, people aren’t going to throw punches at you or point fingers at you.”
Ashwin’s ability to introspect and learn from his experiences has been instrumental in his success. Despite facing criticism and challenges, he has emerged as one of India’s most prolific cricketers, with a career that continues to inspire future generations.
As he prepares to play his 100th Test match, Ashwin’s journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the game he loves. His reflections offer a glimpse into the mind of a true cricketing genius, highlighting the passion and dedication that have defined his remarkable career.
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