'Least Insecure About What People Feel About Me': Ravichandran Ashwin's Confidence Soars After England Victory

Ravichandran Ashwin tinkered with various actions and speeds throughout the Test series against England, emphasizing the importance of experimentation and focus amidst external distractions for his success in the diverse Indian conditions . Celebrating his 100th Test in Dharamsala, the seasoned off-spinner emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the five-match series, securing 26 wickets.

"Throughout the series I have gone to different actions, speeds and releases. India is different, each ground has a challenge. I am least bit insecure about what people feel about me," Ashwin articulated during the post-match presentation.

The 37-year-old highlighted that the mindset to innovate within his bowling approach has proven fruitful.

"If I am confident that I can try something, I don't hold back. I have kept my ears and eyes open to listen to good feedback. Unless I try, I will never be able to learn. I am not saying sticking to one method won't work. But thankfully experimenting and learning has helped me," expressed the cricketer from Tamil Nadu.

Ashwin singled out his performances on Saturday (5/77) and in England's second innings at Ranchi (5/51) as standout displays in the series.

"I was really happy with the way the ball came out (in those spells), as most pleased with this performance and the second innings in Ranchi. In India sometimes the beauty is what's gone by. What went by was on his head (the way he set up Ollie Pope in Ranchi). I was expecting him to reverse there," he elaborated.

Extolling the virtues of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who secured 19 wickets from four Tests, Ashwin remarked, "The way the ball is coming out of Kuldeep's hands is unbelievable. Watching a wrist spinner in such a flow and the kind of switches he has been able to make through the series and over the last 10 months is so heartening to see. I can't be happier for somebody.”