R Ashwin: ‘I had to literally rewire and make a mental switch’

After returning just one wicket in the first innings, R Ashwin came back strongly in England's second dig at Ranchi, with a five-wicket haul that saw the visitors bowl out for 145. Opening the bowling for the second Only time in this series has Ashwin dented. England's top order with the wickets of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Joe Root then returned to clean up the tail.

Ashwin said he had to make a “mental change” in his approach on the Ranchi surface, focusing more on spinning the ball as the pitch did not offer as much bounce.

“I actually had to go back and rethink the way I thought about the game,” Ashwin told the host channel after the third day. “I'm someone who comes over the top, comes down on the ball. I like the ball to fall on the pitch.

“Somehow when I get to the east of the country I find there's not enough bite on the surface. The bounce is literally almost shin height, if I may say so.

“So I had to do a lot of side spin. I had to pound the pitch during the first part of the spell,” Ashwin said. “And later on, on the other side, I felt like there was a little bit more buying. I had to literally rewire and that was a mental shift that I had to make. “

Ashwin did not use his trademark carrom for long periods, but eventually deceived Ben Foakes when he got him out, as the England keeper gifted Ashwin a return on a leading edge.

“For some strange reason my knee is having issues. So I just need 10-12 balls to warm up. But I also had a bit of a warm up before going up. So once I got good understood my length, that's when I really wanted to try it,” Ashwin said. “I didn't want to give extra points because they are running last. So every point to chase is a big bonus.”

Ashwin also got to play with the new ball for only the second time in this series and dismissed Duckett, Pope and Root in his first spell. He said that when captain Rohit Sharma said that he and Ravindra Jadeja had to share the new ball, he quickly volunteered to bowl first.

I enjoyed bowling with the new ball and today was one of those days where Rohit just said you two are starting, who wants to start? I raised my hand and said I would start again on this side.

“Happy and yes the new ball has some sort of attachment. I liked bowling with a bit more speed. Loved it again.”

Ashwin now has 170 wickets in 51 innings while opening the bowling, at an average of 19.09.

Playing his 99th Test, Ashwin picked up his 35th Test five-wicket haul – the highest for India along with Anil Kumble. He also surpassed Kumble for the most number of wickets taken in India in Tests. But Ashwin said personal milestones pale in comparison to a team victory.

“I mean, you can pick all the wickets you want, you can do whatever you want, a team win is [like] Nothing [else]. I mean, it's the best thing that can happen to a cricketer. In a Test Match after 4-5 days, the feeling is surreal. I wish I had this feeling tomorrow and Ro [Rohit] And [Yashasvi] Jaiswal started really well, so hopefully they can continue from there.”

Ashwin hasn't taken five wickets throughout this series before today, but he probably did when India needed him most, after conceding a 46-run first innings lead to England and considering the possibility of a close chase. But in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who has arguably been the most influential Indian bowler in this series, Ashwin's efforts helped keep their target below 200.

Rohit and Jaiswal, the Indian openers, took the hosts to 40 for no loss at the end of the third day's play, leaving the team on 152 runs to seal the series.

Ashwin: Kuldeep changing pace and trajectory makes him overtake the bowler

Before Ashwin could make an impact on the match, India found themselves in a much deeper hole at 177 for 7 in response to England's first innings score of 353. But a 76-run stand between Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav helped India reduce the deficit significantly. While Kuldeep bowled 131 deliveries, Jurel bowled 90 in just his second Test innings to take India to 307.

“I thought we were a little harsh on KD [Kuldeep]caused him to hit a little too early than he would have liked, but I felt his defense was very effective, he showed a lot of composure and kept the locker room very calm.” Ashwin said.

“It was even better from Dhruv, I thought,” Ashwin said of Jurel. “Great composure for someone who has just played a second Test match. Tight defense, had a great game plan, wasn't going crazy. Picked the right ball to hit. And yes, it was a huge boost. We held on until lunch, almost tied.

“If you had given us even a 70-80 point lead last night when we got back to the hotel, you would have taken it with both hands.”

While Ashwin finished with a five-for, Kuldeep was also in fine form with the ball. Introduced in the 25th over, Kuldeep castled Zak Crawley for 60 with the first ball of his third over. He then cleared Ben Stokes before dismissing Tom Hartley and Ollie Robinson with one shot.

“Yes, it was phenomenal. I thought Kuldeep played brilliantly,” Ashwin said. “But what I really liked about what Kuldeep did today was the way he was working on his swing, changing the swing and all that kind of stuff.

“We all know how many turns he can put on the ball, what skills he has. But when you can change the pace like that, change the trajectory, what he's willing to do now, I think he's the double the bowler he is. .

“Really happy for him. I just stole the five for him. But that's the way the game goes.”