Indian veteran all-rounder Ravichandaran Ashwin emerged as a pivotal figure in India’s first innings of the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh, scoring a crucial hundred that propelled India to a formidable total. This performance not only underscored his value as an all-rounder but also gave an insight into his approach to batting and bowling. 

Time and again, R Ashwin has demonstrated his batting abilities for India when it has mattered the most and against Bangladesh in the first innings, Ashwin faced the same situation, with India losing its top-order batters in quick succession. India were in a very precarious situation when Ashwin walked in to bat and his 113-run knock lifted India to a sizeable total. Ashwin noted that with bat in hand he needs to play an entirely different game.  

“Bowling and batting are very separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously, and the other one is done subconsciously. For me to compartmentalise both has taken its own due and at this stage, I’m able to sequence that and split both of them. At this stage, I am able to sequence that and split both of them and see as a cricketer. So, when I walked there, there was only one thing I wanted to do was to settle down my game,” Ashwin said during the press conference.

"The mind can play tricks because I am a bowler who plays on 12, 18, 24 balls ahead when I am sequencing it. As a batter, I shouldn't do that. I just use my experience when I get in. So, now it's more about just focusing on the ball and hitting it as I see it."

Another Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (86) played a key role alongside Ashwin as both of whom stitched a 199-run partnership to guide India to a big total. 

"You don't plan for such things. Jaddu is one cricketer who has evolved so nicely. I always envy him. I have made that amply clear. So gifted, so talented. He has found ways to maximise his potential. Keeps it really simple. He can repeat it day in and day out. I wish I could be him but I am glad I am myself. He is an exceptionally good cricketer. I am happy for him. Likewise, in so many ways, watching him bat over the last couple of years has given me insight into how (much) better I can be. Both of us have grown together. Both of us have done some special things. We really value one another at this stage. Both of us are enjoying each other's success more than ever before."