'A Love Story Made In Heaven': Dinesh Karthik On Ashwin's Connection With Chepauk
Ravichandran Ashwin during the first Test between India and Bangladesh (X.com)
India's thumping 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test can largely be credited to homeboy Ravichandran Ashwin's heroics at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. His scintillating century, along with a brilliant six-wicket haul, helped India regain lost momentum and record one of their most significant Test victories ever.
Naturally, Ashwin has been receiving praise from all the nooks and corners; joining this list is veteran India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik, who recently showered praise on the Chennai-based cricketer.
Karthik shared a delightful anecdote, likening Ashwin's prolific performances in Chennai to a love story made in heaven. He fondly recalled how, from a young age, Ashwin has been an extraordinary off-spinner, particularly when he is playing at his home ground.
Dinesh Karthik opens up on Ashwin
"Its a love story made in heaven (Ashwin and Chennai). And why I say that is from his childhood wherever he's played cricket for Tamil Nadu, he's been an unreal off spinner. Now it's just great to see him blossom into a very mature man who knows his game as well as anyone who's played the game and brings it out at the moment that he wants it to today was an example," Karthik said.
"The first day he batted brilliantly. Second day he bowled. Didn't get a wicket. It's only happened twice in Chennai, where he's bowled in an innings without a wicket, and then last innings and the ball started spinning, he again showed his class, and some of the records that he's tumbling is just quiet flabbergasting to say the least. And you have to put him with the greats of the game, who is played among all rounders," Karthik added.
Ashwin's Record-Shattering Performance in Chennai
In a class performance of brilliance, 38-year-old Ravichandran Ashwin demonstrated excellence in Chennai thereby breaking numerous records. He has now become the highest wicket-taker for an Indian bowler in the fourth innings of a Test match, surpassing Anil Kumble's earlier mark of 94 to score 99 wickets to his name. Moreover, Ashwin's seventh five-wicket haul in the fourth innings puts him in the company of legends Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.