Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his desire to continue playing cricket well beyond his 38th year, despite seeing younger teammates scaling back their careers. Ashwin showcased his prowess by taking six wickets and scoring 113 runs with the bat in Chennai, helping India secure a 280-run victory over Bangladesh within four days of the opening Test. This performance marked his 37th five-wicket haul, equaling the late Australian spin legend Shane Warne's record and placing him second only to Sri Lankan fast bowler Muttiah Muralitharan's 67.
Ashwin acknowledged the challenges of performing at his age, stating, "It's not the same as when you are 25, 26, 30, or even 35. Thirty-eight is different." He emphasized the need for double the effort to maintain his position, adding, "I want to play as long as I can. Whatever I am today is because of the game and what it has given me. I am deeply indebted to that."
To stay competitive, Ashwin has adjusted his strength-training regimen and incorporated other fitness methods, including yoga. Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, both younger than Ashwin, have announced their Twenty20 retirements after winning the World Cup in June.
Ashwin's impressive career includes 522 wickets in 101 Tests. Alongside fellow bowler Ravindra Jadeja, known as India's spin twins, they shared nine wickets to dismiss Bangladesh for 234 in their chase of 515. The duo also combined for a 199-run seventh-wicket stand, rescuing India from a precarious 144-6 to 376 in the first innings.
Ashwin praised Jadeja, saying, "He is a rocket on the field. So I envy him. I am jealous of him but totally admire him." Ashwin entered the 500-wicket club during the 4-1 Test win over England this year and reached the milestone of 100 Tests. Jadeja is close to achieving 300 Test wickets in 73 matches.
Bangladesh, fresh from a 2-0 series sweep in Pakistan, faced a tough challenge in India, where they have not won in their previous 13 attempts. Winning a Test series in India is considered one of the toughest tasks in cricket, with India remaining undefeated at home since 2012.
India captain Rohit Sharma was pleased with the strong start to the season, which includes home Tests against New Zealand and Australia. He noted, "I thought it was a great result, looking at what lies ahead for us." India's spinners Ashwin and Jadeja played crucial roles, with their batting partnership proving decisive.
In the second innings, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill contributed significant scores, while Bangladesh's skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto praised the performance of his seamers Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana. India has retained the same squad for the second Test in Kanpur.
