Former Indian fast bowler RP Singh commended Ravichandran Ashwin for his pivotal performance in the IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi. Despite a challenging series, Ashwin rose to the occasion, earning Singh’s praise for his impactful bowling display.
Singh highlighted Ashwin’s ability to make an impact despite a lean series, emphasizing the inevitability of his contribution. He lauded captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to utilize Ashwin with the new ball, acknowledging the strategic importance of creating favourable circumstances for wicket-taking opportunities.
“R Ashwin wasn’t having a good series in terms of his bowling performances but we knew that you cannot keep Ashwin out of the game for too long. He will have an impact and he made an impact here. We needed wicket-taking bowling here and Ashwin did that.” said Singh.
Ravichandran Ashwin dismisses Joe Root in Ranchi Test:
In particular, Singh emphasized the significance of Ashwin’s dismissal of Joe Root, considering it a pivotal moment in the match. Singh concluded by applauding Ashwin as a big-match player who delivered when it mattered most.
Ashwin’s crucial wickets, including those of Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Root, significantly dented England’s batting lineup. He later picked up Ben Foakes and James Anderson’s wickets with his five-wicket haul further solidifying India’s dominance in the Test match.
He noted Ashwin’s adept use of the around-the-wicket angle to trap the former England skipper leg-before-wicket, showcasing exemplary bowling skill and strategic execution.
“He used the angle in such a way that the ball fell in that strip and you got success. So it was fantastic bowling. A big-match player gave a good performance at an important time,” Singh added.