In a thrilling encounter during the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, R. Ashwin made headlines by not only scoring a hard-fought century but also highlighting the invaluable encouragement he received from his teammate, Ravindra Jadeja. The first day of the match was filled with ups and downs, as Team India initially struggled, losing six wickets for less than 150 runs. However, a remarkable turnaround saw the team finishing the day at 339 runs for 6 wickets, with Ashwin contributing a stellar 102 runs and Jadeja adding a crucial 86 runs.
Ashwin’s Moment of Inspiration
Post-match, Ashwin shared his insights in an interview with former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri, who was providing commentary during the game. Ashwin spoke candidly about the moment when he felt fatigued and how Jadeja’s wise suggestion played a pivotal role in his performance. Jadeja advised him not to push for unnecessary runs, particularly suggesting they should avoid converting two runs into three. This piece of advice helped Ashwin focus more on his game strategy without overexerting himself.
Ashwin revealed that his experience playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) on Chennai pitches gave him confidence in his batting abilities. He also mentioned that he adopted an aggressive batting style reminiscent of Rishabh Pant, leveraging his knowledge of local conditions to score effectively.
Ashwin’s Remarkable Achievement
Stepping onto the pitch after a challenging start for Team India, Ashwin quickly transitioned into a dominant mode of play. He reached his half-century in just 58 balls, demonstrating formidable skill and determination. Following this, he accelerated to complete his century in just 50 more balls, marking his sixth Test century. Notably, Ashwin’s centuries have predominantly come against West Indies, with four to his name, and one each against England and Bangladesh. This century also marked a momentous return to form in his home ground, Chennai, after three long years.
Records Set by Ashwin
Ashwin’s century was more than just a personal achievement; it also set several significant records. He became the first cricketer in history to score four Test centuries while batting at number 8. In comparison, renowned cricketers like Daniel Vettori have also achieved this milestone, while Kamran Akmal has three centuries at this position. Additionally, Ashwin distinguished himself as the fourth Indian player to score a Test century at an older age, managing this remarkable feat at 38 years and 2 days old. To put this in perspective, Vijay Merchant previously set the record at the age of 40 years and 21 days.
The Chennai Test was more than just a reflection of Ashwin’s skills; it was a testament to his experience and mental resilience. His ability to navigate through pressure while supporting the team’s fightback was truly commendable, and it adds another glorious chapter to his storied career.
