Ravichandran Ashwin played an instrumental role in India’s win in the Test season opener at Chennai as Bangladesh is visiting India for a two-match Test series after whitewashing Pakistan.
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Following the match, while receiving his Player of the Match award for his 113(133) and 6/88, while talking to Harsha Bhogle, Ashwin spoke about where his priorities lies as an all rounder.
‘I make a living by bowling’ – R Ashwin
Speaking on JioCinema after the game in the pre-match presentation, the Chennai-born spinner said, “No, I don’t keep track of POTM awards. Every time I play in Chennai, it’s an amazing feeling. I’ve watched a lot of Tests, and international cricket in those stands, to do it in front of those renovated stands is great. It was an opportunity to fight, and dig in deep. I’ve seen so many teammates do it in the past. Was a special inning, didn’t sink in till day 2.”
He added, “I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first. I think like a bowler naturally but have focused my thoughts with batting. The compartmentalisation is work in progress.”
In the match that was concluded on Sunday morning, Ashwin also equalled Shane Warne to become the bowler with joint-second most Test five-wicket hauls, behind Muttiah Muralitharan.
He also became India’s oldest bowler to take a fifer in his POTM-winning performance. During his six-fer, he also overtook Courtney Walsh in the tally of most wickets.
What next for Indian cricket
India will be back in action five days later as they face Bangladesh in Kanpur for the second Test, starting on September 27.
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