Smith and Ashwin have had fascinating battles against each other on the cricket field over the years.
Star batter Steve Smith is expected to hold a key for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, starting November 22 in Perth.
Over the years, Smith has played some of his best knocks in the longest format against India. In 19 Tests, he has amassed 2042 runs at an incredible average of 52.50, including nine hundreds and five half-centuries.
With barely a few days remaining for the marquee series, Smith shared a sneak peek into his preparation to counter India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Smith acknowledged Ashwin's prowess, particularly after the off-spinner dismissed him multiple times in recent encounters.
During the 2020-21 series, Ashwin got rid of Smith three times and followed it with two more dismissals in last year’s BGT.
The Australian veteran, who managed to score only 22 runs off Ashwin in the last couple of series, is determined to turn things around in the upcoming series.
"I don't like getting out to off-spin in Australia. But he's also a very good bowler and he came in with some decent plans. There were a couple of occasions where he got on top of me," Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"But then I got on top of him at the SCG when I was a bit more proactive (Smith made 131 and 81 at Sydney). So, that's key for me. Just be proactive against him and not let him settle and bowl the way he wants to," he added.
Ashwin has previously expressed confidence in his ability to decode Smith's technique. He claims to have "figured out" Smith's approach, suggesting an upper hand in their battles.
"I think I've kind of figured out what he does or how he bats, I've had an edge over him. I've had the wood over him," Ashwin had told Channel Seven.
Smith, however, downplayed Ashwin's claims, highlighting the prolonged nature of a five-match series.
"Ashwin and I have had some good battles over the years. When you have five matches, if someone gets on top of another player, they could have 10 innings against them.
"So, you're facing those mental challenges each game, and if it goes one way early, they will feel under pressure against that player. There's nowhere to hide in five games like there are in a two-game series," he stated.
Steve Smith is set to return to his preferred No. 4 batting position. After David Warner’s retirement, the right-hander had opened the batting in four Tests earlier this year but the move didn't produce the desired results.
"It always makes your summer better when you start well. It gives you a lot of confidence. It's about not overthinking things. It's playing each ball as it comes and keeping it simple.
"When I'm playing my best, I'm not overthinking and I'm just playing what's in front of me. It's going to be a good battle," he remarked.