Ravichandran Ashwin has faced skepticism about his Test cricket credentials throughout his career, primarily due to his initial prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite replacing the legendary Harbhajan Singh in the Indian Test team, R Ashwin encountered doubts about his ability to fill such big shoes. However, with a remarkable record of 101 Tests and 522 wickets, he has silenced his critics. Ashwin, yet again proved his spin prowess in India's emphatic win over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai on September 22. Ashwin first struck a rescuing century against all odds and then followed it up with a sensational six-fer to help India record 280-run victory over Bangladesh.
R Ashwin surpasses Harbhajan Singh in elite list with yet another fifer
Ashwin's impressive wicket tally has surpassed that of Harbhajan Singh, his childhood idol. With an impressive 37 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, Ashwin has secured his legacy as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the format.
"I can't really comment on what sort of impact I have had on this Test match. I had huge shoes to fill, I came in to replace Harbhajan, I used to replicate his action in junior cricket, he was an inspiration to me. Constantly people have doubted if I could deliver in red-ball as I came from IPL, lots of people have come and helped me," Ashwin said after the match.
Ashwin, who was adjudged the Player of the match for his brilliant century and a six fer, explained that his primary focus is bowling, and batting comes naturally to him. He emphasized the importance of compartmentalizing these two aspects of the game to maintain a clear mindset.
"I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first. Batting is something that comes naturally but I have focused my thoughts with batting. Over the last few years. I have tried to compartmentalise. It is a work in progress," he added.
"I am probably enjoying my play because of what I am doing not because of what I want to get out of it." "It (the century) was an opportunity to fight, dig in deep. I've seen so many teammates do it in the past. It was a special innings, didn't sink in till day 2. Every time I play in Chennai, it's an amazing feeling. I've watched a lot of Tests, international cricket in those stands, to do it in front of those renovated stands is great," Ashwin concluded.
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