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| Ravichandran Ashwin |
New Delhi: Tweakers world over are experimenting with what they claim to be new variations, but Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin can’t understand the hype and insists that there are just two basic deliveries to work with for an offie.
For someone who has successfully used the carrom ball, Ashwin has a very simple take on the number of variations that any off-break bowler can possess.
“I don’t think there’s anything like teesra, chautha or paanchwa that exists… There are two basic deliveries — one that comes into the batsman and the one that goes away,” the 25-year-old said, when asked whether he believes that something like teesra exists as claimed by Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal.
Ashwin was also dismissive about comparison with Harbhajan Singh. “I have never been bothered one bit about comparisons with Harbhajan Singh… I am completely focussed on my job, once I enter the playing arena. Nothing else bothers me,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin would say he has enjoyed being the leader of Indian spin attack. “Leading an attack for your country means a lot of responsibility. You have to perform consistently and keep the flag flying high. It’s a challenge that I have always relished. I am looking forward to the new season.”
The spinner said that a well-deserved break has helped him rejuvenate and his primary aim will be to last the full season. “I don’t want to think too far ahead about what I intend to achieve. But it has been a good break and it has helped me to get fresh before the new season starts. I haven’t worked on any specific technicalities.”
“It will be a really long season and my aim would be to remain fit and last the whole season,” said Ashwin, who has already played six Tests, 35 ODIs and nine Twenty20 Internationals for India.
For someone who already has a Test century and a half-century to his credit, Ashwin is determined to better his performances with the willow.
“Along with my bowling, which I always work upon to improve, I am putting in a lot of effort in my batting.”
So, is he ready to fit in as an all-rounder which might give skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni an option to try out five bowlers in Test matches? “That will certainly be the team management’s call... But as far as I am concerned, I am ready to contribute, in whatever manner the team wants me to.” (PTI)
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