IND vs NZ 1st Test: Rahul Dravid lauds record-breaker Ashwin, says “He kept us alive in the game” after Kanpur draw – Ravichandran Ashwin starred once again for Team India after the Indian off-spinner put in an all-round performance against New Zealand in the 1st Test at Kanpur. In the process, he became the third-highest wicket-taker for India, going past Harbhajan Singh’s tally on Day 5. New head coach Rahul Dravid was in awe of the veteran’s phenomenal achievement and lauded his efforts despite India’s draw at home. Follow IND vs NZ LIVE updates at Insidesport.in.
IND vs NZ 1st Test: Rahul Dravid lauds record breaker Ashwin, says “He kept us alive in the game” after Kanpur draw
Speaking in his press conference, Rahul Dravid lavished praise on Ravichandran Ashwin following his performance during the Kanpur Test against New Zealand. Dravid admitted that it was Ashwin who kept his team in the game, with cameos with the bat, followed by quality three-wicket hauls in each innings.
Dravid said, “Ashwin is one of those guys who has been an absolute match-winner for India, even today you saw on this difficult wicket. The way he pulled us back into the game on that third morning, with that spell of 11 overs, was absolutely phenomenal. And then today just to keep us alive in the game, constantly be threatening on wickets like this is a tribute to his skills and ability.”
IND vs NZ 1st Test: Rahul Dravid lauds record breaker Ashwin, says “He kept us alive in the game” after Kanpur draw
Ravichandran Ashwin went past Harbhajan Singh, a long-time teammate of Rahul Dravid, to become India’s third-highest wicket-taker. Anil Kumble tops the charts with 619, while Kapil Dev is second with 434 to his name. Dravid hailed the Indian offie’s achievement as phenomenal and praised how the spinner had evolved his game over the years.
The Indian head coach said, “I think it’s a phenomenal achievement. I think you know Harbhajan Singh was a really fine bowler, someone I played a lot of cricket with; terrific bowler for India and what Ashwin has done, to be able to go past him in just 80 Test matches is a phenomenal achievement.”
He added, “He has just evolved, he has just kept growing. He is one of those guys who keeps thinking about the game, keeps changing, keeps evolving, that’s why he (has) got where he has. You don’t achieve what Ashwin has achieved without growing and improving and evolving. It is a pleasure to have someone like him in the dressing room and to work (with). I am really happy for him.”
IND vs NZ 1st Test: Rahul Dravid lauds record breaker Ashwin, says “He kept us alive in the game” after Kanpur draw
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