'He used to kick me out to...': R Ashwin opens up on changing relationship with cricket-loving father

NEW DELHI: Following a remarkable all-round performance in the first Test against Bangladesh, Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin discussed his enduring love for cricket and the evolution of his supportive family's role over the years.
The spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja led India to a dominant 280-run victory over Bangladesh at the Chepauk on Sunday.
Reflecting on his relationship with his father, Ashwin shared that while his father used to push him out to play, they now cherish spending more time together at home.
He also acknowledged his wife for bringing balance to his life, helping him harmonize cricket with other aspects.
"My father's taken a step back. In fact, he likes me being home a lot more these days -- he used to kick me out of the house to play but now embraces the time we spend together. My wife has balanced me out a lot. We are all ambitious, and that's why we play the game, but my reasons for playing have changed over the last decade. I don't attach myself too much to results anymore. Often, when you cling too tightly to something, it starts slipping away. I've learned the art of letting go, and that's largely due to my wife's influence," said Ashwin.
In the match, despite India slipping to 144/6 in the first innings, Ashwin (113 off 133 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (86 off 117 balls) forged a 199-run stand, helping India post 376 in 91.2 overs.
In response, Bangladesh struggled in their first innings, with only Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*) offering resistance. Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19) led India's attack, while Mohammed Siraj and Jadeja took two wickets each. Bangladesh were bowled out for 149, trailing by 227 runs.
In their second innings, India lost their top order quickly once again, finding themselves at 67/3. However, centuries from Gill (119*) and Pant (109 off 128 balls) steered India to 287/4 before declaring, setting Bangladesh a hefty target of 515.
Bangladesh's chase started promisingly, with openers Zakir Hasan (33) and Shadman Islam (35) adding 62 runs for the first wicket. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (51* off 60 balls) anchored the innings as Ashwin (3/63) and Bumrah (1/18) took wickets. By the end of day three, Bangladesh were 158/4, with Shanto (51*) and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) unbeaten.
On the final day, Ashwin and Jadeja dominated the Bangladesh batting line-up, bowling them out for 228. Shanto resisted valiantly, scoring 82 off 127 balls.
Ashwin finished with figures of 6/88, while Jadeja took 3/58. Bumrah also chipped in with a wicket.
Ashwin was named 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding all-round display.