I became a far better cricketer than I came Sri Lanka in 2015: Ravichandran Ashwin

India are currently in Sri Lanka to play three Tests, five ODIs and a solitary T20I. Ahead of the first Test beginning on Wednesday, July 26, India’s spin spearhead Ravi Ashwin feels that since he last toured Sri Lanka for a series, he has matured and developed into a better bowler. In an interaction with the media at Galle, the tall Tamil Nadu spinner feels he has become much calmer in his approach compared to before.

The Galle Test will mark a personal feat for Ashwin, who will be playing his landmark 50th Test. The 30-year-old made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Harare in 2010, and over the years has become one of India’s leading spinners. Reflecting back on his journey, Ashwin said that throughout, his performances have improved to get him where he is today.

“For starters, I am a lot more calmer I would say than what I was when I came here last time. I think, I was more like cat on a hot tin roof. I was looking forward to perform desperately because sometimes (like is said) my performance needs to be that much better for me to get anywhere in my career… I have always lived that way.”

Improved since the last visit to Sri Lanka in 2015

Ashwin also asserted that good and bad days, failure and success is a part of every sport and how you deal with it is all that matters in the end.

“It’s kind of changed me over a period of time, I do take things in a stride, yes failing, bad days and ordinary days and mediocre days are a part of a cricketer’s career. But as I told you it’s very important to learn from that failure and try and get better. I think I became a far better cricketer than I came here in 2015,” he said.

A new era beckons 

Ashwin last toured the Island nation in 2015 for a series that India won 2-1, and this was also newly-appointed captain Virat Kohli’s first series as a captain. The ace spinner had played a crucial role in India winning the series.

“To come back to a place where I did really well last time in 2015. It’s like a dream come true because it was some sort of a momentous occasion for me as I was on the way back into the Test side and I got a ten-for… It brings back a lot of good memories coming back to the same venue. 50th Test is something that’s come about.. I am very grateful for having got here and I think every Test match is a blessing from here on,” he added.