After his match-winning performance in the first Test against Bangladesh, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his deep emotional connection with playing at his home ground, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Ashwin, who was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, shared his joy at playing in front of the Chennai crowd, saying, “Every time I play in Chennai in front of this crowd, it’s an amazing feeling for me.”
He reflected on his memories of watching Test cricket from the stands as a fan and how special it is to now play in front of them.
Ashwin’s all-round brilliance in the match was crucial to India’s 280-run victory. He scored a century, with a knock of 113 runs off 133 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and two sixes. He followed that up with a six-wicket haul, conceding just 88 runs in 21 overs.
Speaking about his innings, Ashwin credited Ravindra Jadeja for guiding him through the tough phases, saying, “I just kept it really simple, have to thank Jadeja for what he did, he just took me through the tough phases of the innings.”
At 38, Ashwin continues to showcase his ability with both bat and ball. He emphasized how he prioritizes his bowling, but over time, he has worked to compartmentalize his batting mindset, stating, “I think like a bowler mostly but I have made a conscious effort to think like a batter when I walk out with a bat in my hand.”
His knock on the first day was especially meaningful, and it didn’t fully “sink in” until later.
Ashwin’s consistency and adaptability make him a pivotal player for India, and his deep-rooted connection to the Chennai ground only amplifies his remarkable performances.
