"I am someone who lives for the big and pressure moments": Ravichandran Ashwin

R Ashwin played a pivotal role in India's win vs Bangladesh [Source: Associated Press]

Unarguably one of India's biggest match-winners in Tests, Ravichandran Ashwin is gearing up to take on mighty Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, after a successful tour of Bangladesh. Ashwin, who recently became the sixth player to score 3,000+ Test runs and claim 400+ wickets, spoke about how the all-rounder deals with expectations when playing for India.

In an interview with New India Express, the 36-year-old stated that he is looking forward to battling the Australian batters, and expects the series to be as exciting as ever. 

Excerpts from Ashwin's interview

"When you play for India, expectations are going to be there. You're bound to have expectations. But you can't allow that to bog yourself down. You know, I am someone who lives for the big moments and pressure moments. So for me, anytime there is a big match, any time there's a lot of pressure I really enjoy it. So, I'm looking forward to the pressure."

Ashwin further talked about India's new T20I stand-in captain Hardik Pandya, who the BCCI is planning to groom for the future. 

"He is a very smart cricketer. The thing I like about him is he is very chill. Because he's chill and relaxed, I think it will keep the team atmosphere pretty relaxed and players will perform well as a unit."

The Rajasthan Royals player also opened up on his captaincy ambitions, which is yet to knock on his doors.

"Once I hang up my boots, I think I'll have an answer for that. But until then my dreams will be open, I'll be looking forward to opportunities."

The first Test between India and Australia will begin on February 9 in Nagpur.

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