Though India ultimately lost the series, falling victim to the varied spin tactics employed by Sri Lanka, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin found a silver lining in the challenging, slow-turning pitches of the island nation. His appreciation for these conditions was evident in a tweet he posted during the first innings of the third ODI, where Sri Lanka managed to post their highest total of the series at 248/7.
Ashwin’s tweet not only underscored his enjoyment of the nuanced nature of Sri Lankan pitches but also reflected his deep understanding of the game, particularly how such surfaces test the mettle of batters.
In his tweet, Ashwin highlighted the unpredictable nature of the pitches, pointing out how they often led to sudden collapses that kept both players and fans on edge. He playfully suggested that modern cricketers, who are more accustomed to the fast-paced nature of contemporary cricket and the massive scores that come with it, might find these slower, more demanding conditions a test of their patience.
ALSO READ: Indian Cricketers Laud Men’s Hockey Team for Historic Back-to-Back Olympic Bronze Triumph
His remarks captured the essence of a type of cricket that is increasingly rare in today’s game—one where strategy, endurance, and adaptability play a more significant role than brute force and speed.
Amidst all the mayhem and high scoring games in white ball cricket, this slow burn in SL is a relief.
It’s a great watch if you love the ebbs and flows of the game but it can test your patience if you are from the Slam bang cricket gen.😂 #INDvSL
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 7, 2024
Ironically, shortly after Ashwin’s tweet, India experienced a dramatic collapse of their own. The Sri Lankan bowlers, capitalizing on the very conditions Ashwin had praised, outsmarted the Indian batters to secure a commanding 110-run victory in the final match of the series. This win was not just significant for its margin but also because it marked Sri Lanka’s first bilateral series win against India in 27 years, ending a long drought and underscoring their resurgence in international cricket.
ALSO READ: Sri Lanka Team Expresses Security Concerns Ahead of England Test Series Amid UK Riots
Ashwin’s personal cricketing journey, however, has been on an upward trajectory. The 37-year-old recently led the Dindigul Dragons to their first-ever Tamil Nadu Premier League title, showcasing his leadership and all-round capabilities. Throughout the tournament, Ashwin was a standout performer, accumulating 252 runs in nine innings with an impressive strike rate of 151.80. His contributions with the ball were equally noteworthy, as he took nine wickets in 10 innings while maintaining a remarkable economy rate of 6.92. His performances in the TNPL serve as a reminder of his enduring class and versatility, even as he continues to navigate the challenges of international cricket.
