Ashwin: I felt crushed, absolutely crushed
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Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed that he went through a tough time in 2019 when former head coach, Ravi Shastri referred leg-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, as India’s No.1 overseas spinner.
Kuldeep had taken a five-wicket haul in Sydney against which prompted Shastri to make the comment. The off-spinner said that he felt being crushed absolutely even though he has high regard for Shastri.
“There is a time for everyone (referring to Ashwin’s fitness and injury issues). But now Kuldeep is our frontline number one overseas spinner,” said Shastri.
Ashwin said that although he felt happy for Kuldeep and wanted to enjoy the moment, he couldn’t really do so.
“I hold Ravi Bhai in high esteem. We all do. And I understand we all can say things and then retract them. In that moment, though, I felt crushed. Absolutely crushed,”
“We all talk about how important it is to enjoy your team-mates’ success. And I was happy for Kuldeep. I have not been able to get a five-for but he has a five-for in Australia. I know how big it is. Even when I have bowled well [at other times], I haven’t ended up with a five-for,” said Ashwin.
Although the Sydney Test ended in a draw, India managed to win the series 2-1. It was their first-ever Test series win in Australia.