Premier Indian off-spinner R Ashwin said that he wants to create special memories going forward in the next 3-4 years.
R Ashwin is arguably one of the best spinners India has ever produced. Over the years the ace off-spinner has been the mainstay of the Indian bowling line-up in the longest format of the game and is also the second-quickest bowler in Tests to breach the 400-wicket milestone.
In the first Test against New Zealand, which ended in a draw, R Ashwin surpassed Harbhajan Singh’s tally of 417 wickets to become the third-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests.
The Tamil Nadu spinner took 6 wickets in the Kanpur Test against New Zealand and with the scalp of Tom Latham on Day 5, the off-spinner surpassed Harbhajan Singh's tally of 417 wickets.
R Ashwin now has 419 Test wickets and is only behind Anil Kumble (619) and Kapil Dev (434) in the list of India’s leading wicket-takers in Test cricket.
R Ashwin, while speaking at the post-match presentation after the first Test match, said that these are the milestones that will keep coming. He revealed that even head coach Rahul Dravid keeps saying in the dressing room that everyone should create memories as milestones will keep coming.
He added that he wants to have some special memories going forward into the next 3-4 years.
"These are milestones that are constantly kept on tab, it's wonderful. Ever since Rahul bhai has taken over, he's kept saying that how many ever wickets you take, how many runs you make in 10 years time, you won't remember them.
“It's the memories that matter so I want to have some special memories going forward in the next 3-4 years. Anytime pitches are being spoken about and I am asked a question, it turns into a controversy. So, I'll try and keep a tab on that,” R Ashwin said.
While talking about the last session of the first Test match, Ashwin lauded Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel for not giving away their wickets and admitted that to get tailenders out is not as easy as it used to be.
Read Also: Couldn’t finish the job; knew bad light would play a role- R Ashwin after drawn 1st Test
"Getting down to the last session, the last mandatory over, I think it's played its part, some wonderful Test cricket. The young boy, Ravindra, batted beautifully, showed great composure, Ajaz Patel with his defence. It just tells you a story.
“Everybody hangs in there, everybody can defend well these days, so it's not as easy as it used to be once upon a time getting these tail-enders out. Great day of Test cricket, I hope people who watched it enjoyed it," he said.
Coming to the match, a gritty batting performance by New Zealand tailenders helped the visitors salvage a draw. After they were reduced to 155/9 in the third session, the duo of Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel hung on to deny India the win.
(ANI inputs)
