'I've little fear...' - Ravichandran Ashwin's candid confession on untold connection with Rahul Dravid

India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about his relationship with head coach Rahul Dravid after the Test series win against England. He said that he has a special attachment and a lot of respect for the former India skipper.

Ravichandran Ashwin has been the stalwart for the Indian cricket team in the longest format of the game. He has been one of the main reasons why India are dominant in the longest format of the game both at home as well as overseas conditions.

Ravichandran Ashwin played a huge role for India in the recently concluded Test series against England. He bowled incredibly well in the series and also completed 500 Test wickets apart from representing India in the 100 games in the longest format of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin ended the Test series against England as the leading wicket-taker. He bagged 26 wickets for the team in 5 games at an average of over 24. He also bagged two five-wicket hauls in the series and helped the team win the series by the margin of 4-1.

Ravichandran Ashwin under the guidance of Rahul Dravid has been one of the best spinners to watch. The duo often are seen having discussions together and the off-spinner shared about his bonding with the former India skipper.

Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted his playing days with Rahul Dravid and pointed out the difference between playing under the former skipper as a coach. He talked about his relationship with his head coach he fears him a bit from a lot of respect and a license to talk. Speaking on Crikipidea, he explained:

“I’ve played with Rahul Bhai the player right from my initial days in the Indian national team. But with him as a coach, I have a special attachment. I can tell anything and everything to him, he’ll never mistake me. Even if he’s in the wrong that is,”

“We’ve built such a relationship. But at the same time, there is this respect that I have for him. I have this little fear that comes from a lot of respect and a license to talk about anything with him. I don’t know how else to say it. It is such a bond.”

“Experimenting and learning has helped me” – Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin at the series end against England stated that he is confident about trying new things and experimenting and learning has helped him a lot. He also talked about his spells in Ranchi and Dharamsala, saying that he was happy with the way the ball came out of his hand. He had said:

“I am least insecure about what people feel about me. 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 have helped me.

“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.”

Ravichandran Ashwin will be next seen in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He will be playing for Rajasthan Royals in the league.