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The recent India-New Zealand Test series saw a resurgence in Ravichandran Ashwin's confidence, fueled by his crucial dismissal of Rachin Ravindra. Former India opener Aakash Chopra attributes this boost to a pivotal moment on Day Two at the Wankhede Stadium, where Ashwin's bowling prowess came to the fore. Prior to the wicket, Ashwin's performance had been subdued, but after securing Ravindra's wicket, he harnessed the confidence to deliver his signature carrom ball with lethal precision.
Chopra emphasizes the impact of the pitch, highlighting how the carrom ball's effectiveness was amplified by the surface conditions. While the turn Ashwin achieved was aided by the pitch, it was his astute bowling line that truly made the delivery dangerous. The carrom ball's newfound potency allowed Ashwin to pick up two more wickets, turning the tide of the game in India's favor.
Ashwin's resurgence was mirrored in the performance of his spin-bowling partner, Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja's consistent good length bowling was crucial in the team's success on Day Two, as he claimed four wickets after a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Legendary India leg-spinner Anil Kumble praised Jadeja's ability to maintain this line, making it incredibly difficult for the New Zealand batsmen to score runs. Kumble highlights the challenge posed by Jadeja's arm ball, which often leaves batsmen guessing about its trajectory.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel echoed these sentiments, recognizing Jadeja's astute use of the pitch conditions. He emphasizes Jadeja's unwavering line and length, consistently targeting the stumps and reaping the benefits of this consistency on the turning Mumbai pitch. Jadeja's masterful pace variations further contributed to his bowling brilliance on the day.
The Wankhede Stadium pitch played a significant role in shaping the match, as it provided ample support for the spinners. Patel, impressed by the pitch's nature, called it the toughest surface to bat on throughout the entire series. This surface, offering consistent turn and bounce, allowed both Ashwin and Jadeja to capitalize on their strengths and deliver impactful performances. The pitch's dangerous bounce and unpredictable nature led Patel to ponder the challenges facing the Indian team if they were to bat in the fourth innings.
Source: Aakash Chopra Says 'Ravichandran Ashwin's Confidence Boosted After Taking Rachin Ravindra's Wicket'