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Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin once again showcased his brilliance by claiming his 33rd five-wicket haul on Day 1 of the first test match against West Indies at Windsor Park in Dominica. The experienced spinner took 5/60 and, in the process, surpassed 700 wickets across all international formats. He was not part of the playing XI in the World Test Championship final against Australia.

Speaking on being left out of the playing XI in WTC final, Ashwin said, “It’s very tough. As a cricketer, when you have a shot at the WTC final, to be sitting out…all that is fine. But what is the difference between me and another youngster or another person if I also end up sulking inside the dressing room? When we went for the WTC final, I was mentally and physically prepared to play, planned for the game but I was also prepared to be not playing the game.”

He added, “If I am not playing the game, how do I respond? How do I make sure the team dressing room is up and about because winning the WTC final is the most important thing and it would have been a very high point of my career and I would have played a good role in it. It was just unfortunate it did not pan out… But all I’d like to give my teammates and Indian cricket on the whole is some understanding and my best efforts on the field. That’s where I’d like to leave it.”

Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Ashwin expressed his satisfaction, labelling it as an excellent display. He recalled what Team India head coach Rahul Dravid said to him once.

“When I look back at my career, I feel how it went by so fast. It’s just gone like that. But as Dravid told me, it is not about the runs or wickets you take but the great memories you create as a team that sticks with you. I am totally behind that thought.”