"Rohit said that we would go hammer and tong, try and make 400 runs in 50 overs" - Ravichandran Ashwin reveals India's plans in 2nd Test win vs BAN
Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that skipper Rohit Sharma laid out a clear plan about the batters going all-out attack on Day 4 of the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. With continous rain allowing only 35 overs of play on the opening three days, a draw seemed evitable at the start of play on Day 4.
However, the Indian bowlers bowled Bangladesh out in under a session and a half for 233 in the first innings. The batters then went hell for leather from ball one, breaking several records to post 285/9 declared in 34.4 overs in their first essay to open up victory possibilities.
The hosts bowled Bangladesh out for a paltry 146 in the second innings on Day 5 and comfortably chased down the target of 95 in the 18th over with seven wickets in hand.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ashwin opened up on Rohit's plans as India were about to go out to bat on Day 4.
"In the small huddle we had yesterday (on Monday) after we bowled out Bangladesh, Rohit said that we would go hammer and tong, try and make 400 runs in 50 overs and then if in that bargain, we got out under 200 it is still okay as we had made a game out of it," said Ashwin.
He continued:
"We knew how Yashavi (Jaiswal) was going to play but Rohit walked out and tonked the first ball for a six and when you walk the talk, the dressing room obviously doesn’t have many other choice but to follow that pattern. We were 50 runs in 3 overs and there was no looking back after that."
India broke the team record in Tests for the fastest 50,100, 150, 200 and 250 during their breathtaking first innings batting display.
"When Rohit says that you make 400, try and make a game out of it, it tells you that the captain believes his bowlers will get the job done" - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin hailed the Indian bowling attack by stating Rohit Sharma's plan to score 400 in 50 overs to make a game out of the time left indicated his belief in the bowlers.
While India's attacking batting took the plaudits, the bowlers took under 125 overs to pick up 20 Bangladesh wickets on a relatively docile Kanpur wicket.
"Each one of those bowlers that bowl along with me, alongside me, have the ability to hold on to a game, bowl with discipline and yet produce wicket-taking balls. It is not just their ability alone, it is also the belief of the entire team. When Rohit says that you make 400, try and make a game out of it, it tells you that the captain believes his bowlers will get the job done," said Ashwin.
He conclued:
"These bowlers have done it day in and day out. And they have the ability to pick 20 wickets. In the future, you will encounter situations where opponent batters will dominate against our bowling attack. But this bowling attack is quite special. And I really do hope that this legacy of bowling is taken forward."
Ashwin had a series to remember, finishing with 11 wickets and 114 runs that included a five-wicket haul and a century in the first Test in Chennai.
The veteran all-rounder won his 11th Test Player of the Series award, drawing him level with Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan as India completed a 2-0 whitewash of Bangladesh.