• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Batting Comes Naturally To Me R Ashwin On His Heroic First Innings Century In Chennai Test

'Batting Comes Naturally To Me': R Ashwin On His Heroic First-Innings Century In Chennai Test

Ashwin scored a brilliant century in first innings [x] Ashwin scored a brilliant century in first innings [x]

One of the key architects of India's victory in the series-opener, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin says he approaches the game with a bowler's mindset and batting comes to him naturally, adding that he is learning to compartmentalise the two aspects of the game.

Home hero Ashwin dished out a match-winning all-round performance with a century and a six-wicket haul to help India thrash Bangladesh by 280 runs in the opening Test in Chennai.

His hundred in the first essay came at a crucial juncture. With Ravindra Jadeja by his side, the duo put up 199-run stand to help India recover from 144/6 to post 376.

"I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first. Batting is something that comes naturally but I have focused my thoughts with batting. Over the last few years," Ashwin, who was adjudged the player of the match, said at the post-match presentation.

"I have tried to compartmentalise. It is a work in progress."

The 38-year-old said he is enjoying the experience of playing cricket, rather than focusing on the achievements. It was his 37th five-for in Test cricket.

Ashwin's love-affair with Chepauk continues

Ashwin and Chepauk Stadium is a match made in heaven. The Indian spinner boasts stellar numbers at the venue and has bagged yet another 5-wicket haul here. Moreover, he scored successive Test centuries at Chepauk, as the oppostion side doesn't have answer to his class.

With a brilliant 6-wicket haul in the second innings, Ashwin now has five 5-wicket hauls at Chepauk, and is only the fifth player to register multiple five-fers and multiple centuries at a single venue in Tests.

Courtesy of his brilliant performance, the Indian side have taken a 1-0 lead, and will head into the second Test in Kanpur with loads oc confidence.

(Inputs from PTI)