Team India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, Ravichandran Ashwin, recently opened up about the story behind his iconic carrom ball, a delivery that has baffled some of the best batters in the world. Initially popularized by former Sri Lankan cricketer Ajantha Mendis, the carrom ball is known for its unique spin and movement, which Ashwin first encountered during an age-group camp in Chennai.
In an interview with PTI, Ashwin revealed that he began practicing the carrom ball around 2006, but it took several years of dedicated effort to perfect the delivery. “I started bowling those balls in the nets in 2006 or 2007 onwards, which was probably the second season for me in first-class cricket,” he explained.
The Long Road to Mastery
Ashwin’s journey to mastering the carrom ball was not instantaneous. He noted, “It took me a good two years before I implemented it in the South Zone leg matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2008. By 2010, I was probably pretty confident about the pace at which I bowled.” This dedication paid off, as the carrom ball has since become one of his signature deliveries, particularly in limited-overs formats.
Despite his success with the carrom ball, Ashwin has increasingly relied on his stock delivery in Test matches. He has adopted a more patient approach to the game, which has contributed to his remarkable achievement of crossing the 500 Test wickets milestone in the recent home series against England.
Strategic Use of the Carrom Ball
While Ashwin may not deploy the carrom ball as frequently in Tests, he utilizes it strategically in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where variations and angles can be more effective against batsmen. His ability to mix up his deliveries keeps opponents guessing and adds an extra layer of complexity to his bowling arsenal.
As Ashwin prepares to return to Test cricket, he is looking forward to the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh, with the first Test set to take place in his hometown of Chennai at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on September 19. The match presents an excellent opportunity for Ashwin to showcase his skills and perhaps unveil the carrom ball at crucial moments.
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