“I Consider Myself as One of the Best”: Ravichandran Ashwin

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has returned in the circuit and that too with a bang. Recently in an interview with The Hindu, he shared his recent success as well as future plans. While talking about his fitness as well as off-spin, he shared that off-spin is his strong point and he got 80 to 90% of wickets with this only.

“I am fit and the ball is coming out from the hand like a dream. I am not thinking too much technically. I ran into some very good batting form too at county cricket but have lately not received too many opportunities for India,” he said.

Ashwin recently surpassed the tally of 350 Test wickets. When he was asked if he was aware of the achievement at that time, he said he didn’t have any idea about the feat.

“Not at all. I am just enjoying my bowling. I am like a 10-year-old when I have the ball in my hands. Nothing gives me greater joy. Bowling is like therapy to me. It connects me to my inner self. I am not the same person I was. I am not as intense as before. I just want to bring the joy back,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.

Although many complained about the recently concluded India-South Africa Test series’ pitch as there wer eno turn, Ashwin expressed that doesn’t matter to him. However, he talked about his bowling actions – both over and round the wicket which impressed may.

“I don?t complain about pitches, nor do I depend on them. A lot of times we play on green-tops in county cricket. You adapt. I have been criticised for it too. Some say I try too many things. For me, if it gives me an extra opportunity to get a wicket, I will go for it,” told the veteran spinner.

However, Virat Kohli earlier said that away games should be more points and Ashwin backed his captain well.

“It is more challenging to win in somebody else?s home, gives you more satisfaction. Virat has a point,” he said. “Virat has led from the front. He has captained India to so many series wins. He deserves credit. Whenever I have had a conversation with Shastri, he comes up with something useful. With the team winning so much, the atmosphere within has to be good.”

However, Ravichandran Ashwin is hopeful of his selection for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup as he thinks age is just a number.

“I consider myself one of the best, if not the best spinner in Twenty20 cricket. I had a very good IPL last year. I don?t think age is a factor. Imran Tahir is 40. I have the variety and the experience. My hopes are alive,” he concluded.