While Ashwin returned with a fifer, Kuldeep bagged four scalps to bundle out England for 145 in 2nd innings.
Thanks to wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel’s 90, the hosts reached 307/10 in the morning session on Day 3, reducing the deficit to 46 runs.
However, it was the spin duo of R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav who produced remarkable spells to stage India’s comeback in the Test match.
While Ashwin returned with a five-wicket haul (5/51), Kuldeep bagged four scalps (4/22) to bundle out the visitors for a paltry 145.
After the day’s play, Ashwin was all praise for Kuldeep, especially highlighting the wrist-spinner’s run-up.
“I thought Kuldeep bowled brilliantly. What I loved about Kuldeep today was the way he worked on his run-up, momentum and all that sort of stuff. We all know how much revs he can put on the ball, what skill he has got. The change of pace that changes the trajectory, which he is willing to do now… I think he is double the bowler that he is. Really happy for him," Ashwin told official broadcasters Sports18.
This was Ashwin’s 35th five-fer in Tests but he felt like stealing it from Kuldeep on this occasion.
“I just stole the fifer away from him. That’s how the game goes,” he added.
Ashwin, 37, also revealed that his knee had been acting up strangely. “For some strange reason my knee has been acting up. It just takes me 10-12 balls to warm up. I had a warmup before getting in as well.”
The veteran off-spinner removed Ben Foakes with a carrom ball but was cautious not to give away extra runs.
“So once I got my length right that is when I wanted to try it (carrom ball) because I didn’t want to give away extra runs because we were chasing last, so every single run to chase is a big bonus,” he stated.
Ashwin also enjoyed bowling with the new ball during England’s second innings in Ranchi.
“Enjoyed bowling with the new ball. I put my hand up. Enjoyed bowling with a bit more speed. Had to rewire the way I think about the game. Sometimes when I come here I find there’s not as much bite. Had to go a lot of side spin and hammer into the pitch,” he remarked.
Chasing 192 to win, India were 40/0 at the close of play on Day 3, with Rohit Sharma (24*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16*) unbeaten in the middle. The home side needs 152 more runs to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
(FirstCricket inputs)