Wriddhiman Saha: What defines Ashwin is his openness to suggestions

Wriddhiman Saha: What defines Ashwin is his openness to suggestions

When I made my Test debut in February 2010, Harbhajan Singh was spearheading India’s spin department, along with Amit Mishra. However, later that year, as I broke into the white-ball team, I met a bright, confident, young off-spinner who was also taking his first steps in international cricket.

We were around the same age, and back then, I obviously had no clue that over the next 11 years, we would go on to feature in 38 Test matches together, with 215 of his wickets coming when I was the wicketkeeper.

Throughout my career, I dealt with quite a few quality spinners, who carried the mystique associated with the art. But I have no hesitation in admitting that it was my old friend Ravichandran Ashwin whose off-spin challenged me the most.

I would not use the word “difficult”; rather, his deliveries were tricky to read. Unlike most spinners of his time, Ashwin’s variations in length added to the challenge. Standing behind the stumps, I realised that spinners need to be read right from the hand, and if you could do that, half the job was done. The remaining part involved making adjustments based on the bounce and turn. Keeping up to ‘Ash’, as we fondly call Ashwin, boosted my confidence and helped me read spinners better.

While he tormented the batters, Ashwin was also one of the finest all-rounders of our times. Time and again, he has proved his mettle with the bat. I also have some really special memories of batting with him.

How can I forget our long stand — 213 runs for the sixth wicket — against West Indies in Gros Islet? Back in 2016, both of us went on to score centuries in that Test, and that partnership still remains India’s second-highest in an away Test. As we batted along, Ashwin walked up to me repeatedly to ensure we were thinking along similar lines. As we approached our nineties, our conversations increased, and Ashwin made sure I wasn’t feeling the pressure en route to my maiden century. Throughout my career, Ashwin, Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), and I rotated our batting orders — me at No. 6, Ashwin or Jaddu at No. 7 or No. 8 — so our understanding improved, and we got to know each other better. Batting in the lower middle order has its own challenges, but I am glad that Ashwin, Jaddu, and I could forge partnerships whenever the team needed. These are memories I will cherish forever.

I find it hard to believe that Ashwin will no longer be donning the whites for India. But as I look back, it brings memories of how we prepared for a match. Soon after playing a few games at the highest level, I realised there could be no substitute for solid preparation. Ashwin and I would often spend hours in the nets, even after the regular sessions were over. He would bowl, and I would keep — this was our way of getting ready for a game.

What defines Ashwin is his openness to suggestions from the wicketkeeper and his willingness to tweak accordingly. He often told me he trusted me and felt comfortable when I was behind the stumps. That bond was reflected in our performances, with me being involved in 21 of his dismissals — 18 catches and three stumpings.

I have always observed bowlers in the nets, and every time Ashwin bowled, I watched his action and how he generated bounce and turn from a surface, preparing myself accordingly. These minute observations helped me adapt to the conditions and improve, and we always made it a point to discuss strategies and back-up plans before a game. This helped us overcome the odds during crucial situations.

There have been times when I missed a catch or failed to effect a stumping, but I never saw Ashwin getting angry. Instead, he would walk up, pat me on the back, and encourage me to do better. When you get that kind of support from a colleague, you feel motivated and it brings out the best in you.

I particularly enjoyed keeping when Ashwin bowled to left-handed batters from around the wicket. It often threw challenges my way as well. It was essential to closely monitor the seam position as the ball would often skid and castle the stumps or produce sharp edges. Those deliveries were masterpieces that Ashwin could create with ease.

From 2014 to 2018, I was the keeper for most of Ash’s bowling spells. It was a privilege to watch him emerge as one of the best in the business. His dedication to the game has been exemplary, and I have always admired how he prepared and remained deeply involved.

We have shared many moments, from glorious victories to heartbreaking defeats. Those times in the dressing room and on the pitch only strengthened our partnership and friendship.

At some point, all of us must hang up our boots and step into a new innings. Knowing Ashwin, I am sure he will remain connected to the game in some way. But every time we watch Test cricket hereon, he will be deeply missed.

One of India’s finest and a truly hard-working cricketer — thank you for all the memories, Ashwin. I am glad to have been part of your journey!