On cusp of 50th Test, Ashwin opens up on coach saga

Photo: PTI

New Delhi: One of the striking features of the recently concluded coach saga in Indian cricket was the silence of the cricketers. Led by captain Kohli, Team India made sure they do not add to the already haphazard scenario. Now when the team has been officially handed over to a new head master, India’s premiere off spinner R Ashwin has vouched to ‘move on’ ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Ashwin, who is on the cusp of playing is 50th Test for India gave a thumbs up to Shastri’s appointment.

"We are well past that moment (when the difference of opinion emerged between captain Virat Kohli and former coach Anil Kumble). The decision has been made and it is definitely something that I cannot really comment on. Ravi bhai (Shastri) has been a fabulous person to have in the dressing room," Ashwin told reporters after team's training session.

Naming Shastri as one of the premiere factors for India’s turnaround in Sri Lanka last time, Ashwin hoped for even better results in times ahead.

"Even when he was here last time, we lost that Test in Galle and really picked us up from that low point in our careers. And he (Shastri) is someone who can really have a positive influence on the dressing room. We are looking forward to working together and producing some amazing results," he added.

Ashwin termed Sri Lanka's tour of 2015 as a landmark for Indian team for their come-from-behind 2-1 series win.

"In 2015, we were sandwiched into the middle of a leadership takeover. Virat had just taken over in Australia and we came here having played one Test in Bangladesh. We had set ourselves a lot of goals for each other and I would say we have achieved them and come out with flying colours over the last couple of years as a group," Ashwin said.

Ahead of his 50th Test, Ashwin was asked about some of his memorable dismissals, and he recalled: "Getting Kumar Sangakkara here in Sri Lanka especially in the second Test at the P Sara Oval (Colombo in 2015). AB de Villiers in Nagpur (2015), even though it was quite a helpful wicket but the set-up was very good.

"Shaun Marsh in Sydney in the second innings (2014) and David Warner in Bangalore (2017). There have been quite a few good balls that I have bowled," he added, recounting his favourite dismissals.