Ravichandran Ashwin after his Man of the Series award against Sri Lanka has been preferred as India’s no 1 spinner. The 29-year-old is also the only bowler to feature in top 10 rankings in all formats (no.8 Tests, no.9 ODI’s and no.4 T20’s)
Ashwin who turned 29 today looking to make the most out of the break ahead of the big series coming up against South Africa.
Ashwin also said that It has come at a good time, allowing him to spend more than just a day or two with wife Prithi and their first-born, a daughter, who is two months old.
Despite commitments, Ashwin spoke to The Telegraph at a star property here.
Excerpts…
Getting time off before the series at home against South Africa…
I never stop thinking about cricket, for that’s a way of relaxation for me. Cricket is always there in my mind. However, purely in physical terms, I’ve switched off. After Lanka, I’ve just had short bowls.
Next week’s India camp in Bangalore…
I’ll be looking to get back into the groove. The T20Is and ODIs will follow soon afterwards (between October 2-25) and my target is to regain the rhythm I had in Lanka before the four-Test series begins, on November 5.
Rhythm being the key…
South Africa as an opposition…
The rankings apart, South Africa are one of the finest teams around. They travel really well and the fact that they haven’t lost a Test series overseas for over nine years is an incredible piece of statistics. The likes of Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith have retired, but South Africa still have plenty of ammunition. Heavy ammunition.
[Away from home, South Africa haven’t lost a Test series after the 0-2 defeat in Sri Lanka, in July-August 2006. After that, they’ve won 10 and drawn 5 series. It’s a stunning achievement.]
India, ranked No.5 in Tests, having come off a 2-1 series win in Lanka…
We do have a good pattern and rhythm flowing. Yes, it’s going to be a tough Test series and we’ll have to compete hard, stay neck-and-neck and, then, look to beat South Africa to the finishing line.
Making the biggest difference…
Look, better teams outperform opponents for a longer duration of time. Hopefully, the result will be positive for us. That would confirm this team is on the right track. It’s all about aiming for the next level… I’m craving for a result in our favour.
Task No.1…
We’ll have to sustain pressure, keep the intensity high against South Africa. As I’ve said, the better teams outperform the opposition for longer periods.
His take on Virat Kohli, the Test captain…
Virat, to my mind, will make a difference to our cricket. I say this with confidence.
More pressure to deliver after the 21 wickets in Lanka…
I relish pressure. It’s part of the game and I’m comfortable with it. If cricket didn’t have pressure, I’d actually look to do something else, with more pressure.
The challenge of bowling to AB de Villiers…
I’m happy embracing challenges. AB’s known to leave bowlers mesmerised, so let’s see how he goes about things in a few weeks from now. I wouldn’t, at this stage, like to say anything more.
Love of tennis…
I do play the sport myself and, currently, am a huge fan of Novak (Djokovic). At one time, I was the biggest fan of Rafael Nadal, though.
Having dumped Nadal…
Well, Rafa’s fallen off a bit. I’d still be rooting for him if he was in contention for a title. But, if he’s out of the scene, then I’d cheer Novak – the world No.1.
Djokovic’s qualities which have attracted him…
Just about everything. I kind of relate to the opinions Novak has and, in my book, he’s taken his game to another level. He’s certainly a shining example for the rest of the fraternity. Incidentally, I’ve read Novak’s Serve To Win, published last year… It’s a fascinating insight into the way he’s gone about his tennis.
Roger Federer…
I’ve never been a big fan of Federer, winner of the most Grand Slams (17). I’d much rather back the underdogs. That is my style.
Favourite in women’s tennis…
My all-time favourite is Martina Hingis. You could also say she’s my all-time crush.
Finally… Leander Paes and Sania Mirza doing India proud in the Grand Slams…
I can only admire Leander. At 42, he seems to have become fitter. Incredibly, defying age, he’s become stronger. To bag 17 Slams is quite something. Leander and Mahesh (Bhupathi) are no longer partners, but I used to follow their progress when they were such an outstanding pair together. The Leander-Mahesh combination, indeed, used to be in a different class… Kudos to Sania, too… That Hingis is Sania and Leander’s partner is yet another reason why I track their performances closely (Laughs)!