‘It could’ve been the highest point in my career…’ – Ravichandran Ashwin’s bold statement after grabbing a fifer against West Indies in Dominica Test

India and West Indies lock horns in the first of two-match Test series in Dominica. The first day of the Test match saw what everyone expected; a one-sided clash where the Indians dominated the Carribeans in all three departments. After winning the toss and batting first, the hosts were bundled out at 150. They were able to play only 64 overs in their innings.

The pick of the bowler for Team India was veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who snapped a fifer in his spell of 24.3 overs where he conceded 60 runs with six maidens. This was his 33rd five-wicket haul and with the help of this spell, he reached the sixth spot among bowlers with the most fifers in the history of cricket.

I would like to leave it: Ravichandran Ashwin

The 36-year-old was dropped from the team for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-2023 final against Australia. He opined that it is important to make a strong comeback after being dropped from the team in the most important fixture despite performing exceptionally well throughout the WTC 2021-23 cycle.

“As a cricketer when you have a shot at a WTC Final and to sit out is fine. For me, it was how do I respond and how do I make sure the dressing room is up and about. Winning the WTC Final is the most important thing and it could have been a very high point in my career and I could have played a good role in it, but it was just unfortunate that it didn’t pan out and the first day left us too far behind in the shed,” Ashwin said after Day 1 of the first Test in Dominica.

“But what is the difference between me and another person that is going to sulk (about being dropped). All I would like to give my teammates and India cricket as a whole is some understanding and my best efforts on the field and that is where I would like to leave it,” the off-spinner added.