Ashwin : Once in rhythm, I can beat any batsman in the world

With 6 wickets and two run-outs, Ashwin dismantled the New Zealand innings on Day 3 of the third Test at Indore and restricted them to a score of 299, despite a century-run stand between Guptill and Latham. His spell took India one step close to completing a whitewash, and Ashwin has rated it as 'pretty special'.

“Pretty special. It’s very important for me to get into a good rhythm. I just finished my interview with Simon Doull where I was telling him that throughout this series I’ve not started in fine rhythm. I don’t know where it is but I’m trying to get my alignment right. It’s taking me a few overs,” Ashwin said in the press conference.

“Once I go through it and when my body starts going completely into the ball, the spells start getting better. The spell after lunch was once such spell.

“When I start my spell, it’s all about getting into a good rhythm, get through the crease and accelerate. Once I get into the rhythm, I think I can beat any batsman in the world. That’s where I stand right now.”

Kane Williamson was New Zealand's key player at the start of the Test series, but the Kiwi skipper has failed to make a mark on this series, having been dominated by Ashwin. The Indian spinner has dismissed Williamson thrice in three innings so far, and Ashwin has revealed that he has managed to pick on a weakness in Williamson's technique so far.

“I come into a series with a plan. I picked up some clues about Kane from the last time he played in India — at Bangalore. He has a tendency to lunge forward. That’s where I capitalised on,” Ashwin explained.