Ashwin got a few DRS calls wrong during the recently held Test series against England.
During the recently held four-Test series against England at home, Ashwin got a few DRS calls wrong after persuading skipper Virat Kohli to opt for the review.
In an exclusive chat with India Today Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Ashwin said young wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant had also let him down on some occasions as he relied on the latter to assess the bounce and trajectory.
“I think we need to change the lens with which people are looking at me for the DRS,” Ashwin said.
“Before this series against England, my DRS (usage) was extremely good. Because you take the DRS, you need to rely on the keeper's resources. I ask valid questions in terms of saying 'I know whether the ball struck in line or not’. But with respect to the line from the angle that I am bowling and the bounce, the keeper really needs to help.
“And Rishabh is actually letting me down, on a lot of occasions. I took him aside and said we need to sit down and discuss because Ravi Bhai has a few complaints about me going for DRS.
“So honestly, yeah, if there is one improvement I am looking to make, I will go for better DRS in the future series. I will hold myself in check and we have been playing on red-soil pitches after a long time. It plays a huge role,” he explained.
Ashwin was the Player-of-the-Series in India’s 3-1 Test series victory over England. The off-spinner finished the series with 32 wickets at an average of 14.71 while he amassed 189 runs, including a second-innings ton on a tough Chepauk pitch in the second Test.