India’s Dominant Series Win 4-1 Over England: Insights from Dravid and Ashwin after Dharamsala Triumph
India’s recent series win against England in Dharamsala showcased exemplary team performance and strategic brilliance. In a post-match analysis, coach Rahul Dravid and seasoned spinner R Ashwin shed light on the team’s evolution and tactical maneuvers that led to their resounding victory.
In order to remain ahead of the batsmen, Ashwin describes the “different actions, different speeds, and different releases” he had to employ.
In Dharamsala, India defeated England by an innings and 64 runs to win the series 4-1. The Indians were led by five-wicket hauls from Kuldeep Yadav and R Ashwin in the two innings, as well as an all-star batting effort that featured hundreds from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Here are the comments made by head coach Rahul Dravid and player Ashwin, who was participating in his 100th Test, on the official broadcast.
Rahul Dravid’s Insights
Yes, I’m rather proud, to be honest. It was certainly a touch disheartening to behind in the first Test, but the team and all of the players deserve praise for how well they responded. Even though we lost that first game, I felt like we were able to maintain a great deal of composure. I remained convinced that we possessed the aptitude and capability to contend.
Additionally, the way we carried out, particularly under duress at different points during the series. We’ve always had team members willing to take the lead and step up. As such, I couldn’t be more pleased of this team and the manner they’ve performed throughout the series as a coach and support staff member.
[Regarding the new players emerging] It seems pleasant to me. I consider myself fortunate to be a part of an amazing team. It is not solely my concern. And I consider myself fortunate to work with this amazing group of professionals. And I’m always picking up new skills from them.
Working with Rohit [Sharma] has been an absolute pleasure. He seems like a great leader to me. It’s amazing to watch how the boys all seem to be drawn to him. Furthermore, I would want to express my sincere gratitude to Ajit [Agarkar], the head selector, and his staff.
Since we don’t watch as much domestic cricket as Ajit and his panel of selectors do, we don’t really get to see a lot of the young players that come in as coaches and captains. They have also challenged and pushed us to choose a few of these young guys, and they have made the right choice, as evidenced by their performance here. We give Ajit and his staff a lot of respect and a big pat on the back, but sometimes it’s not easy being a selector because you constantly receive the criticism.
[A standout segment from the show] I’m not sure. Really, really fantastic performances throughout. Hard to choose just one memorable instance, I think. Perhaps I should only mention Ashwin rejoining the team following his ordeal.
Yes, there are performances, and it is expected of you to give a good performance. But Ash’s desire to return and support the team after going through what he had for the team, together with his desire to contribute to the series, I believe really encapsulated the essence of this squad and its character. And to be honest, I think that was the series’ high point for me alone. It makes a coach’s heart sing to see the kind of environment that was fostered.
R Ashwin
Extremely joyful; it’s difficult to describe how I feel. Over the past week or two, a lot has happened, including a lot of discussion over the 100th Test. I’m overwhelmed by the number of people who have reached out to me with best wishes. Excellent previews from the BCCI media team. But what more could a bowler ask for in order to have a successful wicket-taking game?
[In the 100th Test, five for] Because there are so many places for us to play in India and each surface calls for a distinct set of skills to be completed, I have experimented with different movements, speeds, and releases throughout the series. Even though I went for a couple big hits in this game, overall, I was happy with how the ball came out. The ball’s hanging on both sides of the blade is most likely the cause. Most likely happy with this outing and Ranchi’s second inning.
[Regarding Ollie Pope’s Dharamsala wicket] In India, beauty is sometimes the memory of the past. Here, cricket is essentially a game that is played between the two sides of your skull. There was no doubt what passed through his mind. I thought he would definitely reverse his sweep.
The new ball is chewing off the surface, giving the impression that a lot is occurring. If you are able to accurately assess the batsman, you might make use of that moment. I bowled a good stint this morning and also picked the batsmen’s specific shot.
Regarding his trials I’m not at all self-conscious of how other people perceive me. I am aware that everyone at the pinnacle of their trade, like a cricket player, must accept criticism from specialists. This is one instance like that, and I’ve been watching. I’ve listened to constructive criticism and comments and considered them. I will never be able to learn unless I try. So I keep what I find hidden. I conceal the restrictions of a certain learning. I will attempt something if I feel confident enough to try and complete it. I have no desire to hold back.
The way things have progressed and, in a sense, the quantity of film footage you receive, the ability to analyze videos, and the frequency with which you play against the best Test-playing nations, makes it seem like the batters are always ready and can perfectly set you up if you are the same player who consistently shows up.
Also Read: India Dominated England to clinch the Series 4-1
Of course, there will be times when you’ll hold onto it and find nice lengths in specific spells, but relying just on one strategy won’t be sufficient to get out of the batting order. Though, happily, I am among many who have tried, learned, and it has worked for me. I’m not saying it won’t work. I can’t argue that this is the approach that someone else ought to follow. Nevertheless, it’s best if you keep up with it given all the video footage and analysis that’s happening.
[About bowling alongside Kuldeep] There was somewhat more speed off the surface from the far end and more bite from the other end. It actually works, therefore if you can use it extremely well while using your skills, you’ll learn about it. I had some excellent bounce and kick today with the new ball.
Kuldeep was able to use it when he came on that side in the first innings, and overall, I felt it was amazing how the ball was leaving Kuldeep’s hand. It is really encouraging to witness a wristpinner exhibit such flow and the kind of shifts he has been able to make throughout the series, particularly in the last ten months. I’m incredibly thrilled for someone.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Player of the Series: 9 innings, 712 runs, 89 average, peak score of 219
I can say that I thoroughly liked [the series]. It offers me a great deal of experience, and I’m pleased with my performance overall. I also had a great time throughout my inning. I was just thinking to myself, play my shots, and if I feel that I can take the bowler down and score runs, then fine, I need to take him down. [In Test cricket, no goals] I’m simply attempting to take it one match at a time, have fun, and make sure I contribute to my team’s success. I always believe that I have to do everything in my power to help my team win.
Kuldeep Yadav
Man Of the Match: 5/72 and 2/40
[Is he bowling at his best?] Yes, I believe. I’m receiving the benefits of my labor of love over the past few years.
[Regarding his series-best effort] I believe I bowled really effectively in Ranchi. Probably the Ranchi Test match would be my choice. I made great use of the drift over there.
The Ben Stokes wicket in Ranchi was also pleasing to me. I think I also adored the wicket of Zak Crawley because it was a gorgeous ball.
[On becoming a better bowler] only the distance. It is crucial for every spinner, regardless of the format they play, to concentrate solely on length and consistently strive to bowl at a decent length. Frankly, it’s really quite helpful, not trying too hard. focusing only on the length of my bowling stroke and its pace, not considering anything else. as well as my rhythm.
[Regarding his development as a batter] Vikram Rathour, the batting instructor, deserves recognition. He was a big assistance to me. Not just the technical aspect, but also, in my opinion, the mental aspect—basically, just supporting [oneself] each time I conduct a net session.
