Dominica: On the opening day of the first Test on Wednesday, India bowled out the West Indies for 150, marking Ravichandran Ashwin's 33rd five-wicket haul in Test matches and making history.
After missing the World Test Championship final in June, Ashwin made his way back to the India team and took 5/60 while passing 700 wickets across all international formats.
Reflecting on his performance, the off-spinner said, “I thought it was an excellent performance.”
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“Staying in the present is very important with so much cricket being played around the globe. I was sad that we could not win the WTC final.”
“Now, in this cycle, we are in West Indies, and I want to be in the present,” he added.
Ashwin talked about leaving the team as well.
Ashwin mentioned a recent interview in which he discussed the topic: “I spoke about this in a recent interview, because they found themselves in the right place, came to TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League), asked me and we spoke.”
“Sir, it’s very tough. As a cricketer, when you have a shot at the WTC final, to be sitting out…all that is fine. But what is the difference between me and another youngster or another person if I also end up sulking inside the dressing room? When we went for the WTC final, I was mentally and physically prepared to play, planned for the game but I was also prepared to be not playing the game.”
“If I am not playing the game, how do I respond? How do I make sure the team dressing room is really up and about because winning the WTC final is the most important thing and it would have been a very high point of my career and I would have played a good role in it. It was just unfortunate it didn’t pan out… But all I’d like to give my teammates and Indian cricket on the whole is some understanding and my best efforts on the field. That’s where I’d like to leave it.”
Speaking about the conditions, he said, “The wicket had a bit of extra bounce due to the slope.”
How does one overcome jet lag, adapts to the bowling conditions and executes it to perfection?
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 13, 2023
Bowling on cement surfaces, says @ashwinravi99 ????
WATCH ???????? #TeamIndia | #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/5iYQS7XlyR
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“There was also a bit of moisture in the pitch. But I think the turn was very slow,” he explained
Ashwin recalled the wise words of head coach Rahul Dravid looking back at his wonderful career, and said, “When I look back at my career, I feel how it went by so fast. It’s just gone like that. But as Dravid told me, ‘It is not about the runs or wickets you take but the great memories you create as a team that sticks with you. I am totally behind that thought.”
“So I am full of gratitude and very grateful for the journey. I do not know how many more such moments we will create, but whatever there will be, I will try to enjoy it to the fullest,” he said.
“When we started playing cricket, after the Covid-19 induced break, I promised myself, enjoy whatever happens,” he added.
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