Sai Kishore: For all of us who aspire to represent India one day, Ashwin has set an exceptionally high benchmark

Sai Kishore: For all of us who aspire to represent India one day, Ashwin has set an exceptionally high benchmark

I was just 20 years old when I shared the dressing room with R. Ashwin for the first time. What struck me immediately was his determination and his relentless desire to improve, despite already having extensive experience. That quality is something I truly admire. For me, and for all of us who aspire to represent India one day, he has set an exceptionally high benchmark. The level of skill he possesses and the meticulous planning he puts into each Test match are aspects I deeply respect.

Reaching such a high standard requires immense dedication and an unwavering passion to constantly refine your craft. His journey of striving for perfection is nothing short of extraordinary.

There is so much to learn from simply observing him. You don’t always need to engage in conversation; just watching from a distance as he prepares for a game is enough to instil confidence and inspire you. I wouldn’t describe it as pressure to reach his level, but rather as a worthwhile target to aim for.

It’s easy to feel content after taking regular wickets at the domestic level, but the aspiration to match Ashwin’s skill set and emulate his determination keeps you motivated to push yourself further. For players like me, he serves as a powerful source of inspiration.

Ashwin’s versatility as a bowler is remarkable — whether it’s off-spin, the carrom ball, or firing the ball in, he brings an unparalleled variety to the game. Developing such a complete repertoire takes tremendous courage and countless hours of dedication. That’s what I aspire to emulate. Following the path he has paved as an off-spinner, as a finger spinner, motivates me to keep improving and pursuing excellence.