Tough times have taught me many lessons, says Ashwin

Tribune News Service

kanpur, September 25

Not many prefer to talk about unpleasant memories on a day they have achieved something big. R Ashwin, who became the second fastest bowler to pick 200 Test wickets today, not only recalled the toughest phase of his career but also credited it with having taught him a lot.

The off-spinner recalled the 2013 tour of South Africa where he was dropped after the Johannesburg Test. He remained on the sidelines for much of the next season, missing seven of the nine overseas Tests India played. “That phase was very important. It taught me a lot, it taught me that I should be working on my skills. And my skills have been talked about a lot ever since. I lost 12 to 18 months, but it taught me many lessons,” said Ashwin. 

It’s no secret that Ashwin thrives in Indian Subcontinent. He has played 20 Tests at home, in which he has taken 133 wickets at a strike rate of 46.0. In the 17 away Tests, he has picked 67 wickets at a strike rate of 62.1. At home, though, Ashwin has been India’s go-to bowler. 

“What we get is what we are going to play on. It’s not going to take sheen off (our win). A win is a win and (we should) savour it. Test match gets over in two days in England, nobody talks about it. Why it’s talked about so much in India?” asked Ashwin. In the ongoing Test, Ashwin has already put India on the brink of an impressive victory. He has scalped seven wickets so far in the match and is likely to play a key role on the final day in India’s push for victory. 

“The 200th wicket is very special, Williamson is not a bad scalp. There are quite a few good wickets I have had over a period of time. The ball that dismissed Williamson in the first innings was very good, also the one I got Sangakkara with in Sri Lanka… these are some special memories, and I hope to create more in the future,” said Ashwin, talking about his feat.