Ashwin makes startling revelation, India considered forfeiting an inning during Kanpur Test

Ashwin makes startling revelation, India considered forfeiting an inning during Kanpur Test (Photo Source: BCCI)

Team India’s ace offspin legend Ravichandran Ashwin made a startling revelation about a team meeting where skipper Rohit and Co. discussed the possibilities of forfeiting an inning after rain played possums and it led to the 5-day game being reduced to three days in Kanpur. Notably, constant rains on day 2 and then the wet outfield conditions further derailed the play possibilities on Day 3 as well.

As a result, Team India wanted to come up with a plan which could help the side try to taste victory on the final day of the second Test against Bangladesh. However, after much discussion, Sharma conveyed the message of fearless play to the team which eventually reflected on the field. The conditions were deemed hard by the ace spinner which made life difficult for the bowlers to operate in what turned out to be a scorching hot day after having started the game in the overcast conditions.

On Day 4, Bangladesh started their innings with the score reading 107/3 on the board. Despite a tough ask from the bowlers, the Indian unit pushed hard and caught the visitors off-guard with their spirited attack. As a result, the visitors only managed to give a paltry target, which India managed to chase down with sheer ease to complete a series whitewash.

“Yes, we discussed it (forfeiting an innings). We were considering whether we should forfeit an innings, but the heat was so intense. These are harsh conditions–sweating profusely, I had to change shirts four times in a day, and it still wasn’t enough,” Ashwin told Jio Cinema after the game.

Also Check: WTC 2023-25 Points Table: Here’s a look at latest standings after India’s win against Bangladesh in 2nd Test at Kanpur

“It was especially tough on the fast bowlers, and even the spinners found it exhausting. If we got them out for another 200 runs, it would still mean spending five sessions on the field, which would be hard on the batters as well. So, we decided to bat and go after the bowling,” the Madras-born further added.

Ashwin now levelled with Muralitharan for most Player of the Series awards

Meanwhile, speaking of Ravichandran Ashwin, the all rounder helped his side to extend their dominance at home. Besides, Team India went on to inflict a clean sweep over Bangladesh which further consolidated their top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. During the game, Ashwin also had a memorable feat to his name.

Also Check: India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test, Day 5 Stats Review

Notably, the 38-year-old bagged the Player of the Series (POTS) award for a record 11th time, which meant that he was now levelled with the former legendary Sri Lankan spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan. However, the veteran dismissed any comparison with Muralitharan by saying he was just focused on loving the game and that the individual milestones are just a part of the joy of playing cricket in totality.