Former Indian coach Rahul Dravid lauded the spinner and said the veteran also tends to “challenge” him as a coach. “The good thing about him is that he challenges you, and as a coach, you want that. Looking forward to more such memories with him. He is one of a kind,” Dravid would say during a felicitation function organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).”He always has the desire to contribute to the team’s success. Have enjoyed my time with him,” Dravid added.
Dravid would further credit Ashwin for taking the art of spin bowling forward and say,”I hope he is not finished. He has moved the craft of spin bowling through his hard work, dedication and innovation. That’s a great legacy to have. Fantastic! Well done and inspired a whole generation of young spinners.”
Overthinker
While Ashwin has been considered as an astute mind in the game, he has also been associated with the overthinker tag. Speaking to the Indian Express, said, “It’s unfair to actually say somebody’s an overthinker because that person’s journey is his own. And nobody has a right or business to do that. There have been statements that people have made all along when leadership question has come my way, there have been people who are been out there telling, my name is not the first name of the sheet when India tour abroad.”
“Whether that name is first on the sheet or not is something I can’t control. If I earned it, it’s got to be there and that’s my belief. As I said, I have no complaints, I have no time to sit back and throw punches or regret or anything. I have no regrets about anyone,” Ashwin said.
