Top 3 Fielding: Ravichandran Ashwin is not well-known for his fielding talents in comparison to his abilities in other areas of the game. In an era where fielding is as important as batting and bowling across forms, Ashwin has boosted his fielding at times.
He caught a crisp catch in the present Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) despite not being among the most athletic fielders due to his tall and wide body. It’s a welcome change of pace, especially given how hard he’s worked on his fielding over the years.
Former Team India fielding coach R Sridhar stated in his memoirs about Ravichandran Ashwin’s determination to improve as a fielder. He stated:
“If you don’t mind, Sridhar sir, why should I listen to you and follow your fielding drills? Why should I do what you want me to do? Trevor Penney was our fielding coach from 2011 until 2014. Now that you’ve arrived, you’ll be staying for two to three years.”
He went on to say:
“You’ll say something and go somewhere. Then a new fielding coach will be appointed. To be honest, I have a lot riding on the next three years. I should be convinced that what you’re saying will help me. ‘If it doesn’t assist my game, why should I listen to you?'”
Ashwin’s ability to hit screamers at the age of 36 bodes well for his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as his longevity with the national squad in red-ball cricket.
On that point, here are Ravichandran Ashwin’s Top 3 fielding performances.
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Spectacular running catch
After being left out of India’s playing XI in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, Ashwin returned to India and is now a member of the Dindigul Dragons in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Premier League season.
He started his season with a respectable 2/26 against Trichy, and despite a poor performance with the bat and ball against the Chepauk Super Gillies, he came up with a stunning catch.
The batsman attempted to dismiss Varun Chakravarthy with a slog, but only got height and no distance. Ashwin sprinted a long way from inside the circle, evaluated the ball going over his shoulder, and dived to make the grab.
2) Juggling Catch
India’s triumph against Australia in Bangalore during the 2017 Border-Gavaskar series remains one of the most difficult home victories in recent memory. The Virat Kohli-led side was under enormous strain after suffering a crushing setback in the series opener in Pune, and they were bowled out for 184 in the first innings of the second Test.
On Day 2, Australia was well situated at 160/3 when Ashwin collected a superb catch to eliminate Peter Handscombe and precipitate a collapse. The right-handed hitter attempted a midwicket boundary off Ravindra Jadeja’s full ball.
Ashwin, who was stationed at short midwicket, stretched out to full extend for the ball. Because of the velocity, the ball juggled after he struck the ground, but he still managed to retain it on the second attempt to execute a stunning catch that turned the direction of the game.
3) Pinpoint direct hit
The 2017 tour of South Africa was probably the start of Team India’s foreign dominance. While they did not win the series, the Men in Blue put up a solid performance, including a tight series opener in Cape Town.
Ravichandran Ashwin took advantage of a sluggish Keshav Maharaj with a straight shot from mid-on. The superb fielding assisted India in dismissing the spinner, who was playing a useful knock of 35 runs off 47 deliveries.
South Africa went on to record a total of 286 in their first innings, with Ashwin taking two wickets. After a magnificent bowling exhibition by the Indian pacers, the hosts were bowled out for 130 at the second attempt. India lost the match by 72 runs while chasing the 208-run mark.
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