After the excellent performance against Bangladesh, Ashwin said, 'I think like a bowler, batting is natural for me'

Chennai: In the first test played between India and Bangladesh, Team India registered a spectacular victory by 280 runs. The hero of this victory of India was experienced off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. He scored a century in India's first innings, and then took 6 wickets in Bangladesh's second innings. After which he said that he comes to the field with the mentality of a bowler and can bat naturally.

Ravichandran Ashwin said that he is trying to take the game forward by having a grip on both aspects of the game. Ashwin scored 113 runs in the first innings of this match played on his home ground and along with Ravindra Jadeja (86) shared a 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket to take India out of trouble and then took six wickets in the second innings to ensure an easy victory for the team.

India bowled out Bangladesh for 234 after setting them a target of 515 runs to register a massive 280-run win. “My identity is bowling, so bowling comes first for me. Although batting is natural for me, in the last few years I have thought a lot about my batting,” Ashwin told the official broadcasters after the match.

Also read- Ashwin's amazing performance with ball and bat against Bangladesh, made these three records unmatched

“I am trying to master both aspects and move forward simultaneously,” said Ashwin, who was adjudged man of the match for his all-round display. The 38-year-old equalled the great Shane Warne by claiming his 37th five-wicket haul in a Test innings.

He said, “I am enjoying my game by doing what I am doing without thinking about what I want to do.” He said, “This (century innings) was an opportunity for me to fight and spend time for a long time. I have seen my teammates dealing with such situations many times in the past. This was a very special innings.”

This performance was even more special because he did it on his home ground. He said, “Whenever I play in Chennai, it is a wonderful feeling. I have watched many matches from the stands of this ground. The feeling of doing well on this ground is special.”

(With agency input)