In a recent discussion, Aakash Chopra made a surprising remark about Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, labelling him as “boring.”
This statement came in the context of Ashwin’s impressive performance against Bangladesh, where he took home the Player of the Series award for claiming 11 wickets and scoring 114 runs across two Tests.
BET NOW: Bet here on upcoming IND vs BAN T20I series and win cash bonuses
How does Aakash Chopra define effective bowling in Test Cricket?
Chopra, a cricketer turned commentator, drew a fascinating analogy while discussing Ashwin's bowling style. He compared the art of bowling in Test cricket to the craft of a goldsmith, in contrast to that of a blacksmith.
Chopra noted that “being boring” in Test cricket can actually be advantageous. According to him, successful bowlers, like Ashwin, need to consistently target the same area, subtly challenging batters to adjust their game.
"Ravichandran Ashwin's speciality is this. You need to learn that being boring is a fantastic thing in Test cricket. You need to keep bowling the same thing repeatedly at the same place. This is not a blacksmith's game, but a goldsmith's game," said Chopra, during a discussion on Colours Cineplex.
MORE: Who will CSK retain and target in IPL 2025 mega auction?
"A blacksmith hits hard, makes like that and the noise is also very loud, but the goldsmith keeps working on a single area, and then a very nice jewellery piece is created. This is the actual bowling of Test cricket, where you keep bowling in one area so that the batter gets troubled and tries something different. We have seen people getting out while doing something different," added Aakash.
What makes R Ashwin so successful in Tests?
Further elaborating on Ashwin's success, Chopra emphasized the importance of bowling in the good length area.
He explained that deliveries in this region require batters to step forward, which allows bowlers to create various dismissal opportunities, such as leg-before-wicket and catches.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on sporting action
"You get wickets on balls that fall in the good length area because you have to mostly go forward to play those deliveries. When the balls can be played off the back-foot against spin, it means you have neutralized him. When you bowl fuller, multiple options get opened up. You have chances of bat-pad, leg-before, and catches," said Chopra.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >