I’d want to master the art of picking five-wicket hauls: Ravichandran Ashwin

Back at the NCA after a few days of family time in Jaipur, Ravichandran Ashwin is fresh and all keyed up to get back to action against England which is set to begin next month. The off-spinner was rested from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand and has now returned at the NCA to prepare for the upcoming England series.

Speaking to Times of India from the NCA, Ashwin revealed his idea of picking five-wicket hauls on regular basis. Ashwin draws inspiration from his test skipper and says that he want to be a consistent match-winner like Virat Kohli. The off-spinner recently became the fastest India to 200 Test wickets as 220 wickets in just 39 matches.

“I am bowling at my best. There is no doubt about that but can I do better is the question I keep asking myself. There is no end to improvement. But at the moment the ball is coming out nicely and I am feeling very good about bowling. I don’t go into matches thinking I will win the game but surely if I don’t pick 5 wickets for the team I feel a sense of disappointment. Just like Virat has mastered the art of scoring hundreds, I’d want to master the art of picking five-wicket hauls.”

Many people rightly feel that Head coach Anil Kumble will certainly help Ashwin flourish more. Ashwin also details how Kumble is always in the mood to talk and discuss cricket.

“Even in a team dinner Anil bhai would discuss how to win the next game and frankly I don’t mind it. Virat is very much the same and we just keep talking cricket all the time you know. Anil bhai is an example where you can take your game with determination and hard work and if I ever get to a position where I will cross 619 wickets I will perhaps decide to call it off as a mark of respect to him. He is a legend and deserves all the respect we can give him.”

With the Diwali season around, it’s quite common to indulge in some sweets and other savouries. But, it seems that Ravichandran Ashwin is highly determined not to let these things spoil his mind and fitness routine.

“No, I hardly indulged. So much so my wife now knows a lot much more about Test cricket than she ever knew.

But, eventually, Ashwin takes a bite from the sweet hoping his fitness role model doesn’t see it

“I hope Virat doesn’t see it you know. He just doesn’t indulge and his self-discipline is just incredible. He picks on what he eats, does performance training and is my role model in that sense.”