I hope I can live up to the expectations : R Ashwin
Aug 23, 2016 at 3:35 PM
Before the four-match series against West Indies, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had faced a lot of criticism for his performance in overseas conditions but it is now safe to say that he has given all those critics an apt reply with his brilliant performance in the Caribbeans. He finished the tour with two tons and 17 wickets and was adjudged the Man of the Series.
Talking about the series with the Press Trust of India, Ashwin said:”Personally I would say that I expected this kind of series.”.
“Not necessarily one where I expected two hundred but I knew batting contributions would be very important. I had no idea that I would be batting at number six before I got here. But I put in the hard work without any expectations back home for a month and a half. And it really paid off.
“Expectations are something that helps you reach greater heights. Going forward I think being Indian cricketers, expectations are something that you always expect and I hope I can live up to the expectations and keep winning games for the country,” he added.
One of the biggest positives to emerge from the series win was Ashwin’s responsible batting in the lower order. Ashwin, promoted to No. 6 in the first three Tests in order for India to play five specialist bowlers, scored centuries in Antigua and St Lucia and helped the team to remain stuck with the five bowlers policy throughout the series.
“I need to give West Indies a bit of credit. They get the top order quickly and allow me the time and opportunity. Most of the other teams give hundreds to the top order. It’s a psychological thing I reckon,” he said, with a smile.
“In this Test, I was trying to get a good bowl in this match because personally, I enjoy my five-wicket hauls more than my hundreds. I am not just saying for the sake of it. I really do mean it. “The one hundred I would really relish and put it past a five-wicket haul is the one I got in Kolkata, and probably the one in St.Lucia. It is about the context of the game rather about getting runs or taking wickets,” he added.