I lead without a title, says Ravichandran Ashwin

02/17/2017

Ravichandran Ashwin believes that he has crossed that stage where he should think if he deserved to be the vice-captain of the Indian team. The ace off-spinner said in some ways he leads the team without a title and ends up playing a crucial part in most matches which India wins.

Ashwin became the quickest to reach 250 Test wickets during the one-off Test against Bangladesh, and praise has been pouring in from all quarters for the top-ranked all-rounder. Blessed with a cricket brain that can understand the dynamics of the game, it is surprising that he hasn’t been made the vice-captain yet.

“I have really crossed that stage, where I think I deserved this or being faced with decisions that is not in my hands. I lead without a title. I end up playing a crucial part in most matches which India wins. If there are some parameters cricket adapts, a lot of things will be different around cricket. But, unfortunately, cricket is not as professional as it should be. I have got to the stage where I have realised I am not here to change the whole thing, but if it is possible for me to change things, I will. As of now, I am at peace with myself,” he told The Hindu.

“To be honest, I am not even sure if I want to be a vice-captain. I do a lot of hard work. So to try and think at what is not coming my way is way too demanding on my mind.”

“To be honest, I am not even sure if I want to be a vice-captain. I do a lot of hard work. So to try and think at what is not coming my way is way too demanding on my mind.”

About his constantly evolving skill-set, the Tamil Nadu offie said: “It comes down to the fact that I want to be unplayable and don’t want to dish out the same thing every day. The fear factor does not come in unless you are one up on the opponent. If you don’t do that, you will always come second and that becomes second nature.

“I have had to address a couple of niggles, so my preparation time has come down because I have had to manage my workload. I have exhausted myself in practice in the past and I have realised I need to practice more judiciously. But it is trying to be as fresh as possible for the game and stay as little in the sun on the day before the match. As always I have tried to add method to madness be it using tickboxes or use notepad to try and see how much time and energy I have exhausted.”

Australia have arrived for a four-Test series starting in Pune on Feb 23.

“I have always done well against them even during the last time we played there. I kind of understand the brand of cricket they play. I probably know the ebbs and flows of the game when they are playing against us and having good numbers is an added advantage,” he said.

On being asked about if he can cross Anil Kumble's record tally of 619 wickets, Ashwin said, "In reality, that’s not something I am looking at. It’s a massive achievement to go anywhere near Murali’s tally of 800 wickets. If I get there, it would be like surpassing my human limit. I started playing Tests a bit late and I have always fought against the odds. And, I don’t think I would want to extend one wicket more than what Anil Kumble (619) achieved. That’s a matter of honour."

I lead without a title, says Ravichandran Ashwin

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