It is very important to stay balanced and play good cricket: Ashwin on Australia tour

On Saturday, the India off-spinner spoke during Tamil Nadu’s Ranji trophy match against MP in Dindigul about the upcoming Australia tour, his game and more.

Published : Nov 03, 2018 20:07 IST , Chennai

Ravichandran Ashwin silenced his critics who questioned his ability outside the subcontinent. (File Photo)
Ravichandran Ashwin silenced his critics who questioned his ability outside the subcontinent. (File Photo)
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Ravichandran Ashwin silenced his critics who questioned his ability outside the subcontinent. (File Photo)

After a successful tour to Australia four years ago, Ravichandran Ashwin silenced his critics who questioned his ability outside the subcontinent. It kickstarted a revival that saw him become the fastest to 300 Test wickets.

On Saturday, the India off-spinner spoke during Tamil Nadu’s Ranji trophy match against MP in Dindigul about the upcoming Australia tour, his game and more.

Excerpts.

You have spoken about how your preparations start way earlier before an overseas tour. How ahead do you plan and how do you go about it?

Most of the planning is in terms of what you have learned from your previous tours. Its all about trying to adapt and learn from what didn't work last time and be prepared for it. For me, it is not entirely about game time in the middle. I prefer the net time more and train and try to get into the best possible phase.

AS IT HAPPENED:  Ranji Trophy 2018-19, Day 3

What kind of kind of acclimatisation do you focus on?

In Australia, from my past experience, it is more about remaining in the best possible physical state. And, to an extent, getting the pace right as a spinner. Sometimes, you can find yourself bowling too slow or fast, so you have to adapt to the different pitches.

We have seen batters leaving early for overseas tours. As a bowler how do you see it and do you lot also need to go in there early?

For me, over the last eight to nine years, I played all three formats of the game which is almost like 12 months of the year. All of a sudden, over the last year, I have played only Test cricket and nothing else. So, I find the game time is very less for me. And, you realise it only after four-five months because all of a sudden you are in that position and you don't realise it. Whatever game time I get, I try and make use of it is preferably in my own space I would feel.

For example, I came here to play Ranji Trophy and bowled 40 overs on a placid deck. It is no comparison to Australia, but at the end of the day it is bowling and finding the rhythm.

READ: Ranji Trophy 2018-19: Railways avoids follow-on against Mumbai on Day 3

Is it India’s best chance to win a series in Australia?

If I say yes, it is going to blow things out of proportion. We had some good chances in England and SA and we didn't put it to bed. We could have very well done it. In Australia, until we bury those things and go out, and show we are capable of it, it is very important to stay balanced and play good cricket.

Although you lost the series in South Africa and England, the margin of defeats as you said was narrow. How do you see it as a team because the criticisms have been never-ending?

I don't know what the leadership group feels about it genuinely. They decide on how they want to go about things in the future and how they went about, and what they felt are the weak areas. I have enough on my plate to work on. I have my own batting and bowling to look at. I have also had my challenges with my fitness. So, I am very clued up on that.

I haven't had any conversation with regard to this with any of them. Whoever be that leadership group or whoever is in charge, it is important to respect how they are going about things. We need to respect how they want to take things forward and just go behind it, rather than actually trying to double guess or contribute when it is not required.

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