He has always been a fierce competitor and a great bowler, easily one of the most accomplished and consistent match-winners from his generation/era of cricketers. But what really goes behind making Ravichandran Ashwin all that and more?
I recently read his insightful and absorbing interview with one of my favorite cricket journalists, Sidharth Monga. Needless to say, this conversation is a treat for cricket lovers, especially bowlers, on how a thinking cricketer goes about his plans. The countless hours behind what seems a moment's magic, the mental/tactical preparations, the importance of self-belief, honest analysis and conversations, and the insurmountable passion which fuels the desire to rise like a phoenix after ever trough.
Research and preparation
Take, for example, this statement, which stems from his research and analysis on batsmen:
Here he is on Steve Smith, before India's tour of Australia in 2020-21:
"I made him my obsession for about six months, not just two weeks or three weeks. Just footage, just watching different matches....with Steve Smith, his batting is very momentum-driven. Most of his batting comes from his hands, so my whole idea was to disturb his hands through the series. He's got certain hand-movement patterns. You have to pick them and be able to bowl in a way that disturbs his hand pattern. So I bowled with different load-ups, different speeds, different run-ups and all that. I realised I kind of got to him."
And this is on Joe Root, just before England's India tour in February 2021:
"Joe Root will not block two balls in a row. He's got a slightly vulnerable defence. And I think he knows that. Or he's constantly on the move. So every time he defends a ball comfortably outside off, the next ball will be a sweep."
Self-awareness
"I am at that stage of my career where I have no time for external noise. I just want to play cricket. The one thing I needed to figure out was: why was my mind wanting to give up? Why did I want to quit? I was not enjoying the game. Why? Because the factors were all external. If I turned my attention inwards, I could enjoy the game. All I needed to accept was, whatever happens, if I am in the team, if I am not in the team, if I perform, if I don't perform, it will be on my terms."
Objective and honest
"...if I have to come and partake in his (Kuldeep Yadav getting a five-for) happiness, and the success of the team, I must feel like I belong there. If I feel like I am being thrown under the bus, how am I supposed to get up and come for a party to enjoy the team's or team-mate's success?"
Way to go, R Ashwin. Every time you read about him, his mental strength, passion, preparation, and intelligence always stand out. There's a lot of talk about him trying to be oversmart or unsportsmanlike but one conversation with him and you'll know why all that is all bunkum.
You are a true champion, Ashwin - may you and the likes of you keep exceling and keep prospering. PS: Likewise for writers like Sidharth.
Can't wait to catch all the action from South Africa!
Jai Ho!
