Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's veteran spinner, is redefining his preparation for an arduous Test cricket season at the age of 38. His stellar performance in India's emphatic 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test at Chepauk has prompted him to adopt a match-by-match approach."It's challenging. Sometimes, looking too far ahead can be overwhelming. You have to take it one match at a time," Ashwin emphasized. He acknowledged the importance of conserving energy for the upcoming matches.To cope with the physical demands, Ashwin has modified his fitness regime. "At 38, every bit of work has to be doubled. I've reduced my strength training sessions and focus more on mobility. I also incorporate yoga into my routine," he revealed.Ashwin lauded his teammate Ravindra Jadeja, who claimed five wickets in the match. "Jadeja is a force on the field. I have immense admiration for him," Ashwin said, highlighting their evolving relationship and mutual respect. "I've grown to admire him even more over the years. It's a friendly rivalry, but I know I can never surpass Jadeja. I'm content with my abilities but inspired by him."He also commended Rishabh Pant, who scored a century on his return to Test cricket. "Rishabh's form was never in doubt. His comeback has been remarkable. He's an entertainer and will only improve with time," Ashwin observed.As India gears up for a packed Test cricket season, Ashwin's experience and adaptability will be invaluable to the team's quest for the World Test Championship Final.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's Test all-rounder, not only excelled on the field but also off it, after being challenged by skipper Rohit Sharma to keep his conversation with presenter Harsha Bhogle shorter than his.Ashwin was called up for a chat by Bhogle after being named Player of the Match for his 6-for and hundred in the Chepauk Test. The all-rounder had everyone laughing as he spoke of the challenge Sharma had given him.Sharma, who had a lengthy conversation with Bhogle during the post-match presentation ceremony, had challenged Ashwin to keep his shorter. The all-rounder cheekily reminded Bhogle of the challenge in an attempt to wrap up the conversation early."He updated me saying that we would have a long chat. He is waiting to see how long this will go on for. I am sure he has put the timer on. Now it's shorter than his (chat)," Ashwin said after the match as the TV cameras shifted focus towards Sharma, who burst into laughter upon hearing what the Tamil Nadu-born star had to say.Ashwin relished playing in front of his home crowd. The 37-year-old went on to score his second consecutive Test ton at Chepauk and 6th overall in the longest format of the game.Earlier in the presentation ceremony, Sharma had said on Ashwin: "He's next in line to talk to you, he's the right man to answer what he does. Every time we look up to him, he's always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don't know if I speak here, it'll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it's always so brilliant. He's never out of the game. The last competitive cricket he played was IPL and then he had some fun playing TNPL. We watched him bat up the order and that's what helped him as well to bat the way he did."Ashwin's performance in the Chepauk Test was a testament to his all-round abilities. He has established himself as one of India's most reliable players in the longest format of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has faced skepticism throughout his Test career due to his initial prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, with an impressive tally of 101 Tests and 522 wickets, Ashwin has silenced his critics.In the recent Test victory against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ashwin played a pivotal role, claiming seven wickets and scoring a crucial century in the first innings. His performance highlighted his versatility and cemented his status as one of the greatest Test bowlers of all time.Ashwin's journey began as a replacement for legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Despite initial doubts, Ashwin has surpassed Harbhajan's wicket tally and established himself as a formidable force in Test cricket."I had huge shoes to fill," Ashwin said after the match. "I used to replicate Harbhajan's action in junior cricket. Constantly people have doubted if I could deliver in red-ball as I came from IPL."Ashwin credits his success to his unwavering focus on bowling, while acknowledging his natural batting ability. He emphasizes the importance of compartmentalizing the two aspects of the game."I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first," he said. "Batting is something that comes naturally but I have focused my thoughts with batting. Over the last few years, I have tried to compartmentalize."Ashwin's century in Chennai was a testament to his determination and resilience. "It was an opportunity to fight, dig in deep," he said. "I've seen so many teammates do it in the past. It was a special innings."With his exceptional performances, Ashwin has earned the respect of his peers and fans alike. He continues to inspire young cricketers and contribute to India's success in Test cricket.

India Retains Squad for Second Test Against BangladeshThe Indian cricket team will field the same squad for the second and final Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin in Kanpur on Friday, September 27th. The decision was made by the selection committee, as announced by BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah.The squad remains unchanged from the first Test in Chennai, where India secured a dominant 280-run victory within four days. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer, claiming 6-88 and leading the Indian bowling attack to dismiss Bangladesh for 234. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with figures of 3-58.India's squad for the second Test against Bangladesh:* Rohit Sharma (C)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Shubman Gill* Virat Kohli* KL Rahul* Sarfaraz Khan* Rishabh Pant (WK)* Dhruv Jurel (WK)* R Ashwin* R Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Mohd. Siraj* Akash Deep* Jasprit Bumrah* Yash DayalBangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat in Chennai. Shanto showed some fight in the first Test with an innings of 82, but the Indian bowlers proved too strong.The second Test in Kanpur will be crucial for both teams. India will be looking to seal the series victory, while Bangladesh will be desperate to level the scores. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, has etched his name further into the annals of Test cricket history by claiming his 37th five-wicket haul. This remarkable achievement came in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh at his home ground, Chepauk.While the first innings proved less fruitful for Ashwin with the ball, he made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring a century that helped India post a formidable total of 376 runs. However, it was his bowling prowess in the second innings that proved decisive, earning India a comprehensive 280-run victory.Ashwin's exceptional performance highlights his status as one of the most prolific wicket-takers in Test cricket. He now holds the following records for India:* Second most wickets (522)* Most five-wicket hauls (37)* Joint most ten-wicket hauls (10)* Fastest to 250, 300, and 350 wickets in the world* Second most centuries at No. 8 or below in the world (4)* Only cricketer to have taken 30 five-fors and scored 20 50+ scoresAshwin's all-round brilliance was crucial in India's victory. His 113 off 133 balls in the first innings provided a solid foundation for the team's total, particularly after the top-order faltered. While the top-order struggled again in the second innings, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill stepped up with centuries to take India to a total of 287/4 before skipper Rohit Sharma declared.On Day 4, India wasted no time in dismissing the remaining six Bangladesh batters, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. This victory also strengthens India's position in the World Test Championship points table.

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin orchestrated a dominant performance for India, leading them to a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.Bangladesh, set an improbable target of 515, were bowled out for 234 in their second innings, with Ashwin wreaking havoc with a six-wicket haul. The off-spinner, who has a special affinity for the Chepauk pitch, finished with figures of 6/88, showcasing his mastery of spin bowling.Ravindra Jadeja provided valuable support, claiming 3/58, while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored for Bangladesh with a valiant 82 off 127 deliveries. However, the visitors' batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers.India's victory was set up by a commanding batting performance in their second innings. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both notched up centuries, scoring 109 and 119 not out respectively. Their twin tons helped India declare their innings at 287/4, setting Bangladesh an insurmountable target.The victory marks a significant milestone for Ashwin, who has now become the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, surpassing Kapil Dev's tally of 434 wickets. Ashwin's exceptional performance has cemented his status as one of the greatest spinners of all time.India will now look to seal the series in the second and final Test, which will be played in Dhaka from December 14-18. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to counter India's formidable bowling attack.

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has etched his name in the annals of Test cricket history by surpassing legendary Anil Kumble to become the highest wicket-taker for India in the fourth innings of a Test match. Ashwin achieved this remarkable feat during the first Test against Bangladesh at Chennai on Saturday.After going wicketless in the first innings, Ashwin turned the tide in the final innings while defending a mammoth total of 515 runs. By the end of day three, he had claimed three wickets for 63 runs in 15 overs, with an economy rate of 4.20.With this performance, Ashwin has now taken 96 wickets in the fourth innings of a Test in just 35 innings, at an astonishing average of 19.4 and a strike rate of over 45. His best bowling figures in the fourth innings stand at an impressive 7/59. He has also registered six five-wicket hauls in the fourth innings of a Test match.Ashwin's remarkable achievement has not only placed him above Kumble, who had 94 fourth innings wickets, but also tied him with West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Tests. In 101 Tests, Ashwin has amassed 519 wickets at an average of 23.78, with best figures of 7/59 and a total of 36 five-wicket hauls. Walsh, on the other hand, took 519 wickets in 132 Tests between 1984-2001.In the ongoing Test match, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. India's top-order collapsed, leaving them at a precarious 34/3. However, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56) and Rishabh Pant (39) stitched a crucial 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing India back into the game.After India was reduced to 144/6, Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) forged a magnificent 199-run partnership, helping India reach a respectable 376 in 91.2 overs. Hasan Mahmud (5/83) was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, while Taskin Ahmed also chipped in with three wickets.In their first innings, Bangladesh struggled to keep up with India's pace attack. Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) offered some resistance, but Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) proved too strong, dismissing Bangladesh for 149 runs and leaving them trailing by 227 runs.In their second innings, India once again lost their top-order quickly, but centuries from Shubman Gill (119*) and Rishabh Pant (109) helped them reach 287/4 before declaring their innings. Bangladesh was set a daunting target of 515 to win.Bangladesh started their run-chase positively, with openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) putting up a 62-run opening stand. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) held the innings together as Ashwin (3/63) and Bumrah (1/18) picked up wickets. At the end of day three, Bangladesh was 158/4, with Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) unbeaten.

The ongoing first Test between India and Bangladesh has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their resilience and determination. On Day 1, Ravichandran Ashwin's heroic century set the tone for India, while Jasprit Bumrah's four-wicket haul on Day 2 put Bangladesh on the back foot.India's bowlers continued their dominance on Day 2, bundling out Bangladesh for a mere 149. Pacers Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep were relentless, not allowing the Bangladeshi batsmen to settle in. Shakib Al Hasan, with 33 runs, was the highest scorer for Bangladesh, but his dismissal provided a moment of hilarity.In the 31st over, Shakib attempted a reverse sweep against Ravindra Jadeja's delivery. However, the ball found the edge of his bat, and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant took a brilliant catch behind the stumps. The umpire's review confirmed the dismissal, sparking jubilation among the Indian team. Virat Kohli couldn't resist showing his excitement with a hilarious dance.On Day 3, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill played magnificent centuries to put India in a commanding position. Their 167-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped India declare their second innings at 287 for 4, setting Bangladesh a daunting target of 514.Bangladesh showed some resistance in their second innings, reaching 158 for four before bad light forced an early end to the day's play. Najmul Hossain Shanto (51) and Shakib Al-Hasan (5) were at the crease for the visitors, but they still need 357 runs to avoid defeat.R Ashwin has been a key performer for India, claiming three wickets in Bangladesh's second innings. The match is poised for an exciting finish, with India looking to secure a victory and Bangladesh aiming to pull off an improbable comeback.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has undergone a significant mental transformation, shedding the pressure that once weighed heavily on him. In a candid interview, Ashwin revealed that he has liberated himself from external and internal pressures, allowing him to approach cricket with a newfound sense of freedom and enjoyment.Ashwin's recent century in the opening Test against Bangladesh is a testament to his mental liberation. Batting with resilience and determination, he rescued India from a precarious position, showcasing his versatility as a cricketer. Ashwin emphasized that he now only responds to pressure situations on the field, unlike in the past when he reacted to every perceived criticism."I do enjoy and embrace pressure. There's no doubt about it. It does give you opportunities to be able to be pushed to a corner and then try and respond," Ashwin said. "But I was critical too, earlier (of himself and others), because a lot of pressure has been put on me by people. I've put pressure on myself."Ashwin's mental detachment has allowed him to clearly demarcate between his primary and secondary suits – bowling and batting. He explained that bowling and batting are distinct sports within the same game, requiring different mental approaches."Bowling and batting are very separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously, and the other one is done subconsciously," Ashwin said. "For me to compartmentalize both has taken its own due and at this stage, I'm able to sequence that and split both of them."During his 189-minute innings, Ashwin maintained his focus by adopting a different mindset from his usual bowling approach. "The mind can play tricks because I'm a bowler who plays on 12-18 balls or 24 balls ahead when I'm sequencing it. But as a batter, I shouldn't do that. So, I just used my experience to focus on the ball and hitting it as I see it," he noted.Ashwin's transformation has brought him immense personal and professional satisfaction. He expressed his happiness at being able to compete and succeed in the highly competitive world of modern sport. "You feel happy about it, having been in a contest and coming out successful out of the contest. So, yeah, the underlying truth is that it gives me a lot of happiness competing in this game," he said.