Ravichandran Ashwin starred with both bat and ball in India’s thumping 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Ashwin slammed a dazzling century (113 off 133) in the first innings when India were struggling at 144/6. Thanks to his 199-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (86), the hosts racked up 376/10 in their first essay.
While Ashwin failed to claim a wicket in Bangladesh’s first innings, he tormented the visitors with a five-wicket haul in the second dig. His figures of 6/88 in 21 overs help India bundle out the tourists for 234.
It was Ashwin’s 37th five-wicket haul, the joint-second most by any bowler in Test cricket. He currently stands alongside the legendary Shane Warne in the all-time list, and the two are only behind Muttiah Muralitharan’s 67.
Despite his match-winning exploits, Ashwin revealed complaints from his wife Prithi Narayanan and two daughters.
In a wholesome video shared by the BCCI on social media, Prithi, who was present at the venue alongside the kids, interviewed Ashwin after India’s win on Sunday (September 22).
During the chat, Ashwin said that Prithi and his two daughters complained why he didn't come to meet them on Day 1 of the Test match and waved at them.
“She kept complaining that I didn't see her on the first day. I didn't. For me, it's very difficult for me to look out for the family when I am playing. In the middle of the game, but I do make a conscious effort because the children are always asking me, 'Why didn't you say hi'," Ashwin said jokily.
"I would like to defend myself here. I don't always say hi. When you sit in the seat for 9 to 5 and all I see is Raj waving back at me like I have made up the two days," he further stated.
Prithi also asked Ashwin about his love-affair with Chepauk and reflected on his all-round show at his home ground.
He responded, "I don't know how to react because the first day was something that happened really quickly. I didn't expect to walk in to bat here and get a hundred. I hadn't batted in a while. It feels great. Every time I come here it feels special. I don't know there is some energy in his ground that keeps me going."
Prithi also asked what gift Ashwin would give to the kids on the occasion of Daughter's Day. In a heart-warming manner, the off-spinner said that he would gift the ball with which he picked the five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.
In the end, Ashwin thanked his wife for bringing him good luck and being there for him. "Thankyou for being there and bringing me good luck," he concluded.
With this victory, India took an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series against Bangladesh. The second Test is slated to be held in Kanpur from September 27.
