India vs Bangladesh first Test | Compartmentalising batting and bowling has helped: Ashwin

R. Ashwin during the match between India vs Bangladesh match at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Friday.
| Photo Credit: Ragu R

R. Ashwin explained that compartmentalising his batting and bowling has helped him shine with the willow. The 38-year-old, whose sixth Test century powered India into a dominant position, spoke about trying not to think too far ahead while at the batting crease.

“When I walked in, the only thing I wanted to do was settle down. The one thing I keep telling myself is to watch the ball hard,” said Ashwin, who went out to bat when India was in trouble at 144 for six.

“The mind can play tricks because I am a bowler who plays 12, 18, and 24 balls ahead when I am sequencing it. As a batter, I shouldn’t do that. It’s more about focusing on the ball and hitting it as I see it.

“Bowling and batting are separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously and the other subconsciously. For me to compartmentalise both has taken time.”

Ashwin’s 113 was his second consecutive hundred at Chennai, following his 106 against England in 2021. When asked which he enjoyed more, Ashwin said both were special, but the one three years ago came under more trying circumstances.

“In 2021, it had so much riding on it as we had lost the first Test. The last time I played in Chennai, I felt like I was making a comeback in more than one way. When I left before the Covid bubble began, I hadn’t cemented my place in the team,” he said.

“I went to Australia and came back here. That was different, and I enjoyed it. I think my batting has come along a lot better after that particular game. I worked quite a lot on maximising my shots and game. I’m glad it’s coming out nicely.”

After mostly hunting as a pair with the ball in hand, Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s 199-run stand bailed India out in the first innings. “Watching him bat over the last couple of years has given me an insight into how better I can be. We value one another at this stage and enjoy each other’s success more than ever,” Ashwin noted.

The wily off-spinner said he was enjoying his game more than ever before and wants to play with a smile. “I used to be critical, but not any more. I have put a lot of pressure on myself, and people have put pressure on me. I used to be happy about it.

“But the most important thing for me is to enjoy my cricket. I promised myself I would not respond to anyone and would play for my happiness. I have been keeping it,” he added.