I’ve been very lucky in my career: Ravi Ashwin after picking 350 Test wickets

No. 1 ranked Team India started their home season in the longer format with a tremendous 203-run win over South Africa in Vizag. Rohit Sharma with the willow and Ravi Ashwin, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja with the ball propelled India to a memorable victory.

Ravi Ashwin, after picking his eighth wicket in the game, became the joint-fastest bowler to 350 Test wickets, equaling Muttiah Muralitharan. Both spinners reached the milestone in their 66th Test. The Indian spinner spoke to Indian fielding coach R Sridhar after the game and opined his thoughts on the milestone and India’s win.

“Obviously, these things happen over a period of time and it’s not like you can plan any of these things. I’ve been very lucky in my career with where I’ve got with these records. But it’s important to stick to the process every single day and try and stick to the basics, try and keep it as simple as possible because that’s what makes it easier for you every time you go into the next game,” he said to bcci.tv.

Ashwin keen to keep things simple

Ashwin, in his process, also wants to keep things simple instead of thinking too much about in the game. He also admitted that he wants to be in the best mental and physical space while on the fielding and his main aim while getting into the game is to assess the pitch well

“I want to keep my bowling as simple and straightforward as possible. I want to be as prepared as possible and try and tick all boxes before a game. Try and be in the best mental and physical space getting into that match, assessing the pitch really well.

“All these are things that I play inside my head and try and be as prepared as possible getting into a game. With regards to how I go about my work, how I don’t want to chase anything, again and again, I want to keep it very simple. That’s what I’ve learned over the last year or so,” Ashwin added.

The journey of an interview

Same people, different years, different landmarks. From 2017 to 2019, we look at the past & present of @ashwinravi99's achievement with the ball in a conversation with fielding coach @coach_rsridhar. By @RajalArora

Full 📹📹https://t.co/BsR6IPyooq pic.twitter.com/ovAHjRepUt

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2019

With 160 points in three games, Team India is leading the World Test Championship points table.