From Chennai to St. Lucia, Ashwin’s heroics saved India time and time again
On the first day of the current Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, India found themselves in a tricky situation. After being reduced to 143/6, all eyes shifted to Ravichandran Ashwin, the experienced all-rounder, who did not disappoint. Ashwin's tenacious 113-run effort, paired with Ravindra Jadeja's 86, provided India a much-needed boost.
As Bangladesh attempted to wrap things off swiftly, Ashwin was instrumental in bringing the total to 376 on day two. His partnership with Jadeja changed the tide, as Ashwin emerged again as India's shining knight.
But guess what? Ashwin has saved India from the clutches of disasters. Let's look at four more situations when he stood firm for India in Test cricket.
If there's one thing we know about Ashwin, it's that he can deliver when it counts. That's precisely what he achieved against England in Mohali in 2016. India was at 156/5, behind England by 283. The pressure was on. Enter Ashwin.
He strolled out to the crease calmly as if it were any other day at work. His 72 runs off 113 balls were a lifeline. Ashwin, along with Ravindra Jadeja and Jayant Yadav, helped India score 417 runs and take the lead. England never recovered, as India clinched the deal with a convincing victory.
Fast forward to 2016 in St. Lucia, where Ashwin is on yet another rescue operation. This time, India was in deep danger at 87/4 against the West Indies. The situation was dire. The match might have been lost, but Ashwin was not going to let it happen.
He paired up with Wriddhiman Saha, and they scored a whopping 213 runs together. Ashwin's 118 runs came at a moment when India needed a hero, and he delivered! The score of 353 proved to be more than enough as the West Indies collapsed, handing India a crushing win.
In 2012, during the third Test at Eden Gardens, Ashwin found himself in one of the most challenging positions. England had scored 523 runs in their first innings, and India was in trouble at 122/6. It looked like the writing was on the wall.
But Ashwin had different intentions. He battled with the lower order and scored an unbeaten 91 off 157 deliveries. His brave innings propelled India to 247 and averted a catastrophic innings loss. Although India lost the match, Ashwin's tenacity under pressure demonstrated his grit and drive.
Let us return to Ashwin's home ground, Chennai. In 2021, India led the second Test against England after scoring 329 in the first innings, owing to Rohit Sharma's 161. Ashwin worked his magic with the ball, taking five wickets and reducing England to 134.
But the drama hadn't ended. India was on the verge of defeat at 106/6 in the second innings. Ashwin returned to the crease, this time to save India with the bat. He struck an outstanding 106 off 148 deliveries, leading India to a total of 286 and setting a futile target for England. India ultimately won the match by 317 runs.
