Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been named in India’s Test squad for the West Indies tour, is looking forward to playing some good cricket in the West Indies.
“I do not want to set goals or targets, put pressure on myself. I am bowling to a good rhythm, the ball is coming out nicely from the hand and I just want to continue in this vein,” Ashwin told The Hindu on Monday.
Speaking about his stint with Nottinghamshire in English County Cricket, the off-spinner said –
“I had a rewarding time with Nottinghamshire in the English county, was among wickets and runs. So the confidence is there.”
When asked if he was anxious whether he would make it to the Playing XI in the first Test, Ashwin replied –
“Not at all. I want to take it as it comes. Importantly from my side, I am fit and I am bowling well. And I can always bat.”
In 2016, the right-armer had a successful Windies tour. He scalped 17 wickets in the 4 Test matches that he played.
Talking about the unpredictable pitches in the Caribbean, he said, “The surfaces there can be a bit up and down. The bounce can be inconsistent. Some of the pitches can be on the quicker side too. So you got to adapt.”
The spin wizard, who is no mug with the bat, felt that one cannot just write off the West Indies at home.
“They defeated England at home in a Test series last year. They have a really good pace attack and some young, exciting batsmen like Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer. We cannot take them lightly.”
The Indian all-rounder was glad that something like the Test Championship had been introduced.
“It’s a step in the right direction. It gives a context and meaning to every Test series. After all, Test cricket is the most complete and testing form of the game.”
Besides, he couldn’t wait to join his teammates.
“It will be great to be with the bunch again. There is nothing quite like playing for India. We dream of it when we are young. India has been playing some very good cricket. We have exciting times ahead.”
Ashwin concluded by saying that his mantra for getting wickets and scoring runs was to keep the mind light.
