Ravichandran Ashwin, an all-rounder for India, has scored hundreds in five different Tests; however, the unbeaten 42-run knock he played while battling the spinners for Bangladesh in the fourth innings of the second Test in Mirpur to led India to victory from a potentially disastrous situation will find a special place in his memory. India was in a lot of difficulties thanks to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taijul Hasan, and they were reeling at 74 for 7 in the 145-run chase when Ashwin joined forces with Shreyas Iyer. Although he did enjoy a bit of good fortune when Mominul Haque missed his chance at forward short leg when he was batting on 1, it was admirable how the senior batsman held his composure on a ground that offered a lot to the spinners.
Due to the all-around performance that Ashwin displayed throughout the contest, he was awarded the title of Player of the Match. Ashwin had also taken six wickets during the competition. Ashwin reflected on the Test match and recalled a talk he had with Bangladeshi cricketers Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das at the end of the third day’s play. Ashwin’s effort helped Bangladesh win the match, and he then offered his opinions on the contest. India was four down for 45 at that point. Ashwin revealed how Mehidy and Litton teased at the poolside after close of play.
These two (Mehidy Hasan and Litton Das) were swimming around the pool in a relaxed manner. I was wondering if they were going to make fun of me or if they had something to say in Bengali. However, these two gentlemen are among the best of the best. They greeted him with, “Welcome, Ash bhai!” We had anticipated that you would be the night watchman for today; but, you did not arrive. But regardless of whether you bat or not tomorrow, the importance of your wicket cannot be overstated. They immediately began to verbally assault me. I responded by saying, “Congratulations, gentlemen, on Bangladesh’s renowned and historic Test victory!” They said things to the effect of “Come on! We are aware of how talented you all are. This means that it won’t be a simple task for us. One thing we can guarantee is that attempting to chase down any goal in the fourth innings in Mirpur will not be an easy task. I advised Mehidy to hold off until the conclusion of the 35 overs. Once the state of the ball has been altered, anything is possible at that point. I explained to him that after 35 overs, hitters are able to play both on their front foot and their back foot because of the condition of the ball and the characteristics of the slow pitch. The statement was made by Ashwin on his channel on YouTube.
The 36-year-old continued by expressing his admiration for Litton Das after that. After seeing Litton play for Bangladesh for the first time, Ashwin expressed his belief that the player has the potential to achieve the same level of success as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Joe Root, and Steve Smith.
I mentioned to Litton Das that I had seen him during his debut in the test match. When I watched his playing style, I immediately thought of someone who could pave the way for Bangladesh cricket to move forward. I informed him, “There is a slight disappointment in my life.” My expectation was that you would perform at the same level as Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. In response, he said, “Yes, you’re right, Ash bhai.” Our culture surrounding the sport of cricket is unique. Due to the fact that we only play locally, we do not get very much publicity. It takes some time for us to adapt whenever we have to play on a different pitch.
“When I was walking out the door, he came up to me and told me that he has almost figured out how to be the trailblazer, that he has found the formula. “I told him that if he performs well, I will be the first person to be happy for him,” he continued. “I will be the first person to be happy for him if he does well.”
