In a press conference on the eve of his 100th Test match, Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned Indian off-spinner, revealed that the Test rubber against England in 2012 marked a significant turning point in his cricketing journey. The humbling defeat at home during the 2012 series played a crucial role in helping him identify and rectify flaws in his game, ultimately shaping the trajectory of his illustrious career.
England clinched the 2012 series with a 2-1 victory, marking their first Test series win in India since 1984-85. For Ashwin, this defeat became a pivotal moment of self-reflection and improvement. The 37-year-old veteran expressed the impact of that series, stating, “The 2012 series against England was the turning point for me. It taught me what to correct in my game.”
Ashwin, who recently joined the elite 500-wicket club in Test cricket, acknowledged the milestone of his upcoming 100th Test match as a significant occasion. However, he emphasized that, more than the destination, the journey itself has been special. With the Indian team already securing an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the ongoing series against England, Ashwin remains focused on the upcoming fifth and final Test.
Reflecting on his career, Ashwin highlighted one of his standout performances in Test cricket. “One of my finest spells in Test cricket has to be 2018-19 in Birmingham,” he shared. In that Test, Ashwin claimed seven crucial wickets, including those of England’s batting stalwarts Alastair Cook and Joe Root.
As Ashwin gears up for his milestone match, he remains grounded and dedicated to the team’s goal of winning the Test. His journey, filled with highs and lows over the past 13 years, serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a testament to the resilience required to excel at the highest level of the sport.
