'My wife asked if I have a man crush on him' - R Ashwin reveals how he plotted Steve Smith's dismissal in BGT 2020-21

Ashwin and Steve Smith's fierce on-field battles

India's finest off-spinner R Ashwin and Australian batting icon Steve Smith have had numerous on-field battles in recent years, especially in Test cricket. As two of the best in their respective skill, their contests have been one of the most watched-out moments during the India-Australia games. Recently, Ashwin opened up on the intense planning he did to get the better of Smith during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Ashwin’s record against Steve Smith

Interestingly, Ashwin has dismissed the Australian great eight times in Test cricket. Meanwhile, Ashwin recently announced his retirement from international cricket following the rain-affected third Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba, which ended in a draw. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests, the off-spinner is as India's second-highest wicket-taker, only behind Anil Kumble. 

Smith’s historic 10,000-Run milestone

On the other hand, Smith, who recently entered the historic 10,000-run club in Test cricket, is regarded as one of the best batters of his generation.

Ashwin’s in-depth analysis of Steve Smith's technique

Ashwin revealed how he studied Smith’s batting technique in great detail, often zooming in on his hands while watching him bat on television.

"I can't even remember how many times I watched Steve Smith bat at home. I used to zoom in on his hands on TV. My wife and kids were at home, I don't think I saw them properly for a few days. My wife watches from behind and asks if I have a man crush on Smith. She was concerned," Ashwin said at the AWS AI Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru.

Ashwin on disrupting Smith’s technique

The 38-year-old revealed Smith’s unorthodox technique, and how his hands moved while playing spin. He also gave the example of dismissing the batter during the Adelaide Test of the 2020-21 series.

"Smith had an unorthodox technique that his hand needed to come down at a certain time, it was weird. I found that if I can disturb his technique. I thought of not jumping but instead, loading and delivering the ball. I delivered that ball in Adelaide. He was late on it and nicked it to slip," the spinner added.

Also Read: Is Smith the best player of his generation? It's hard to argue against it: Ricky Ponting

Steve Smith on R Ashwin’s bowling skills

During the 2020-21 BGT, Ashwin’s variations troubled Smith, who had admitted that he had to adapt aplenty to counter the wily spinner. 

"I just knicked one that didn't spin; unfortunately that happens sometimes. I thought it was pretty well bowled, to be honest. The two balls prior spun a bit and got a bit grip of the wicket and the next one was kind of side-spin which skidded off. I didn't play as well as I would have liked. It was some decent bowling.

Smith acknowledges Ashwin’s world-class performance

"He is a good bowler, he has played a lot of cricket now. He is a world-class performer. He tried to bowl from round the wicket and skid it on. It was a good piece of bowling. Part of playing anywhere is adapting," Smith had said during a virtual press conference after the Adelaide Test.