Despite being the world’s No.1 Test bowler, R Ashwin was left out of India’s XI for the WTC final against Australia. He sees this as a “stumbling block” rather than a “setback” in his career. India’s choice to leave out Ashwin in favour of four quick bowlers and one spinner in Ravindra Jadeja generated debate. This was especially true after India’s 209-run defeat at The Oval, one of England’s more spin-friendly venues.
Ashwin’s final Test match in England was the first World Test Championship final in Southampton in 2021. He finished the match with 4 for 45 from 25 overs, including 10 maidens, and two wickets in each innings. Ashwin couldn’t help his team win, as New Zealand took home the Test mace.
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In an interview with the Indian Express, the 36-year-old claimed that there are different yardsticks for batsmen and bowlers. Ashwin who began his career as an opening batter, later switched to off-spin, a decision he regrets.
“My favourite was Sachin Tendulkar, and whatever runs he used to make we used to leak those runs with the ball. I used to think one day, I must be a bowler. Can’t I be better than the bowlers that are there currently? This is a very childish way to think but that is how I thought and that is why I started bowling off-spin. This is where it began.”
“However, tomorrow when I hang up my boots, the first thing I will regret is having been such a fine batter, I should have never become a bowler, “Ashwin said.
Ashwin however dismissed his exclusion as a stumbling block more than a setback. Now at the latter stages of career, the Tamil Nadu office says he is at the point where he can move on from such decisions.
“I would have loved to play because I have played a part in us getting there. Even in the last final I got four wickets and bowled really well. I felt happy they (former cricketers) thought I was good enough to play. But the fact of the matter is, I couldn’t get an opportunity or the world title. I knew I was going to be left out 48 hours before. So for me, my entire goal was to make sure I can contribute to the guys and help us win a title because I played a part in it,” Ashwin added.
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