By: Sandipan Bose
Success could be short-lived if you are not consistent. Who knows better than India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. More than two years ago, he was struggling to make an impact in international cricket.
Ashwin was trying too many things and was subsequently dropped. The lanky off-spinner consulted many experts. It was collectively decided that going back to basics is the best way to handle the crisis.
The off-spinner also got back to his original bowling action and got the maximum purchase. Just when he was doing everything right, his form dipped in the IPL. He was again back to doing too many things and trying too hard.
This approach resulted in Ashwin’s poor form in the shortest version of the game. His form became so bad that he couldn’t be given the opportunity at times to complete his quota of four overs.
Before it reached a stage, where he could have been dropped from the XI, his team was knock-out of the richest T20 league. Then, Ashwin took the much needed break from cricket. It may have helped him to recover and come back strong for the West Indies tour.
With a few days left for the 1st Test match against the West Indies, it’s a good news for the Indian camp that he is coming back to his elements.
At least, Ashwin’s form in the warm-up match against the West Indies Board President’s XI suggests that he is ready to fight it out. More will known about his bowling form when the Test series actually starts.
