Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has applauded veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for rising to the occasion and overcoming his sub-par bowling form on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand as well. Ashwin also struggled in the first five innings of the New Zealand series, claiming only six wickets at an average of over 51.

Speaking after the close of play on Day 2, Karthik was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying: “Today, I felt it for the first time this season. He was pushed to a place where he wanted to show, ‘no no, it’s enough. I’ve to show my skill set’. I don’t think he was anywhere close to his best even today, but it was great to see his ego being hurt as a bowler, and him showing how he feels when that happens.”

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“I saw a distinct body language. If you followed Ashwin closely, he’s not a Virat Kohli type of personality who is in your face and aggressive. But there’s a certain body language when you know he really wants to do well, the way he celebrates when he picks up a wicket, or the intensity that he feels,” he again added.

Ravichandran Ashwin also opened up at the end of the second day about the importance of bowling New Zealand out as quickly as possible on Day 3 on a deteriorating Mumbai wicket as well.

Speaking to the local broadcasters at stumps on Day 2, Ashwin said (via Cricbuzz): “Hopefully not many, we should wrap it up with one or two runs here and there. Any runs saved in this innings is going to be much more critical for us when we chase it down. It’s not going to be easy, we’ll have to bat really well.”