Ahmedabad: Ravichandran Ashwin became Thursday only the fourth Indian and sixth spinner in the world to take 400 Test wickets. It is a feat which was nothing short of a ‘fairytale’ for the seasoned pro. Meanwhile Ravichandran Ashwin was called a ‘modern day legend’ by skipper Virat Kohli.
Ashwin reached the landmark in the day-night third Test against England here when he dismissed Jofra Archer. He ended the match with seven scalps, which took his overall tally to 401. The 34-year-old off-spinner, playing in his 77th Test. He is the 16th bowler in the world to have taken 400 Test wickets.
“It feels amazing actually (to reach 400 Test wickets). The entire stadium stood up and clapped for me. Pleased it happened in the winning cause. I can’t really get a grip of what has happened in the last 2-3 months. It has been a dreamy run and a fairytale,” Ashwin said.
Skipper Kohli was also effusive in his praise. “I think we need to stand up and take notice of what Ashwin has done. In Tests, he is a modern day legend,” Kohli said.
Ashwin credited his self-belief for reaching where he has. “It has been all about self belief. At the start of the Australian tour, I didn’t think I would be starting. However, the (Ravindra) Jadeja broke down and it might have had to happen,” said Ashwin pointed out.
The veteran came into the match six short of the landmark and took three England wickets in the first innings.
Ashwin admitted that they were worried after getting bowled out for 145. “We were worried, we didn’t think we didn’t have many runs on the board. But we then bowled beautifully on a wicket assisting us,” Ashwin said.
“I don’t know if I’m ageing, but it’s incredibly hard to watch the game. To come back (after losing first Test) and win it is even more special,” he added.
Ashwin was asked whether this phase was his best as a bowler. “In 2015-16 everyone asked me (if I’m bowling at my best), the same in 2016-17. One thing is sure I’ve always wanted to improve. I won’t be surprised if I improve further in the future,” the spinner asserted.
He said both captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri had a conversation with him in Australia about his batting. They also saw something special in his bowling.
“I think my bowling was coming along beautifully in the IPL too. I lost about 7-8 kgs in the lockdown and everything looked upwards for me,” he signed off.
