Veteran Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that he had lost rhythm in his batting for a couple of years as he focused more on the technical side. He said that he has rediscovered the flow in his batting again, which is why he has been doing well in recent times.
Notably, Ashwin was India’s second-highest scorer on Day 1 of the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg. He scored a quickfire 46 off 50 to help India put up 202. While speaking after the end of the 1st day’s game, Ashwin was asked if he has done a conscious effort to be aggressive as well. He revealed:
“In between, for a couple of years, trying to get very technically right, I lost a bit of my flow with respect to getting into good positions at the crease. Even before that, I have always batted at a good clip. There’s not been a conscious effort to go out there and keep playing those shots. For me, I get into positions where I can play some of those shots, which maybe some of the specialist batters might not be able to play. This freedom is what gave me success in the past.”
Ravichandran Ashwin also applauded Vikram Rathour for helping him in finding his rhythm back with the bat. The experienced off-spinner added:
“It’s still about choosing correctly and getting the flow of my hands right. I have been able to get that back a little before Australia. Vikram Rathour has been very helpful in terms of having those communications and also getting those things sorted.”
“It is trying to be more productive for the team” – Ravichandran Ashwin on working on his batting
Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin looked comfortable in the middle as he hit six fours and scoring which came at a strike rate of 92. His 46 rescued India from 157 for 7 to 202 after they won the toss and elected to bat first.
“The moment I went in I got a straight ball, which I hit down the ground. Then I hit one on the up from Lungi Ngidi on the off side. The balls presented itself and I responded. There was no attempt to go at that strike rate. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s the beauty of playing the game. They started off with the short ball and that gets me going a bit. Had game plans, glad it worked out. It is also about building on and trying to be more productive for the team,” he shared.
“Totals in South Africa have been a tricky one in the first innings. It is always a good thing to win the toss and bat first. You want to post a good score, maybe in excess of 260 for 270. South Africa have dominated Test matches by batting first and putting up totals in excess of 250. Maybe we are a bit short. But with our entire bowling arsenal available tomorrow, fingers crossed, we can definitely make something out of this score,” Ravichandran Ashwin signed off.
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