IND vs BAN first Test in Chennai: It was challenging but full credit to TNPL which helped prepare for the game, says Ashwin
Till June, 2025, India will play nine more Tests, including a possible World Test Championship (WTC) Final in vastly differing conditions.
Ravichandran Ashwin in action on day 4 of the first Test against Bangladesh at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 22, 2024.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu
At 38, R. Ashwin is probably in the final phase of his career. And with India set to host only four Tests next year (two vs South Africa and West Indies), it remains to be seen when Chennai will get to host another if the usual rotation policy for venues applies.
In case Ashwin doesn’t get to add to his tally of five Tests in Chennai, the wily off-spinner can peacefully ride into the sunset knowing he scored a century, took a five-wicket haul and was the Player of the Match in his final outing at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
When asked if the game against Bangladesh that ended on Sunday (September 22, 2024) could be his swansong in his hometown, Ashwin pondered and then explained how hard it is to predict the next Test match or the series but also seemed at peace if it turns out to be his final bow at Chepauk.
IND vs BAN first Test: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja annihilate Bangladesh by 280 runs
“Yeah, quite a good question. No, I don’t know. What is swansong? Every time you walk out to the park, it is a swansong. You are talking about a Test match. Maybe or maybe not. Who knows,” remarked Ashwin, who clinched his 10th Player of the Match award.
“Every day, every Test match I play is a big thing. Not only for me. For cricketers to go through a Test match or a series is a grind. You never really know what is next regarding Test matches. Because you put in that effort and must be lucky enough to get those performances, work hard, and manage your ups and downs simultaneously.”
“These are all huge challenges for any Test cricketer. So, I haven’t thought so far ahead, but if that was my swansong (in Chennai), what a swansong,” he added.
In what has already been an eventful year in terms of records, Ashwin went past Courtney Walsh’s tally of 519 scalps and is now eighth on the all-time list. On how he keeps reinventing himself even at this age, Ashwin conceded it was challenging but credited his work during TNPL to have helped him prepare for the game.
“It’s not the same as when you are 25, 30 or even 35. 38 is different to 35. Every bit of work that you put in, you have to put it doubly hard to earn the right to be there. No doubt, there are challenges for me to go through. Usually, it takes a little bit longer. I haven’t played a three-day game in a while. So, my only experience with game time was TNPL. I played at a pretty high intensity, which was helpful. I just wanted to enjoy my game and be the best that I can be. I am not ambitious and want to play as long as I can,” Ashwin elaborated.
The Tamil Nadu player also said he doesn’t want to think too far ahead as India has another nine Tests over three months. “When you look so far ahead, it can be quite deflating. You have to stack it up. I did put in a bit of work getting into it. I know I need to have some reserves in the tank. I have tried to build it up.”
“We will have to see. There are good breaks between games. Hopefully, we will get small windows so I can keep ironing it out. More than skill, I think it is about physically being able to go through the season, which is of utmost importance to me right now,” said Ashwin.
Published – September 22, 2024 03:36 pm IST
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