Virat Kohli revealed he had sent Ravichandran Ashwin a text message after the Melbourne Test while lauding the all-rounder’s contributions in India’s Test series win Down Under.
India captain Virat Kohli who was on a paternity leave after playing 1st Test against Australia only lauded Ravichandran Ashwin for his all-round effort in India’s 2-1 Test series victory in Australia, saying the off-spinner is one of the most vital parts of the Test team.
Virat Kohli : Ravichandran Ashwin Is One Of The Most Vital Parts Of India
Ravichandran Ashwin played a crucial role in helping India come back from behind and clinch a heroic series win last month Down Under. Virat Kohli, speaking to Star Sports, revealed he had sent Ravichandran Ashwin a text message after India’s heroic comeback in the 2nd Test in Melbourne lauding his efforts in the Test. India were handed an 8-wicket defeat as they were bundled out for their lowest Test score in 1st Test.
Ravichandran Ashwin set the tone early for India in Melbourne after Australia won the toss and opted to bat. He removed Steve Smith without scoring and got opener Matthew Wade early to jolt the hosts. An Ajinkya Rahane hundred made sure India sealed an 8-wicket win in the 2nd Test.
“Well, he is one of the most vital parts of this team. After Melbourne, I sent him a text that this is the best I have seen you bowl overseas ever. I remember we had a conversation in Adelaide as well, I said not people remember these small moments, in the first innings where Saha and Ash came out not out, Ash’s intent was something that stood out for me,” Virat Kohli said.
In Australia, he picked wickets of Steve Smith thrice in each of 3 Tests he played at Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney and Marnus Labuschagne in first 2 Tests besides Matthew Wade, David Warner, Cameron Green and Travis Head among others. In Melbourne Test, he picked 5 wickets besides picking 5 scalps in Adelaide and 2 in Sydney. He didn’t play 4th Test due to injury.
The off spinner picked 3 wickets conceding 146 runs in 55.1 overs against England in 1st Test at Chennai.
Virat Kohli: Ravichandran Ashwin Will Score Crucial 70-80 Runs If He Gets Going
Revealing a chat Ravichandran Ashwin and him had before the Test series in Australia, Virat Kohli said both of them discussed that Ravichandran Ashwin had a lot to offer with the bat as well. The off-spinner, who has 4 Test hundreds, had struggled with the bat over the last 3 years but he showcased his class in the Australia tour.
“He had a conversation with us in the nets about his batting. We both said ‘you have so much more to provide for this team with the bat. That was one of your strengths. When we looked at you, we always felt like 30-35 guaranteed every innings'”.
“If he gets going, he will score a crucial 70-80′. So, suddenly you saw his body language. It was like ‘Hold on, this is my time, my tour now with the bat and with the ball,'” Virat Kohli stated.
Ravichandran Ashwin picked up 12 wickets in 3 Tests and came up with a stunning effort with Hanuma Vihari on Day 5 of the 3rd Test in Sydney to help India seal a draw. The off-spinner was ruled out of the 4th and final Test along with pacer Jasprit Bumrah with injury concerns but India managed to breach Australia’s Gabba fortress and win the series.