Fri Sep 20 13:40:02 UTC 2024: ## Ashwin Embraces Pressure, Finds Joy in Cricket After Mental Shift
**Dhaka, Bangladesh:** India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed a significant mental shift that has allowed him to thrive on the pressure of international cricket, ultimately finding more joy in the game. The 38-year-old, who recently slammed a crucial century in the first Test against Bangladesh, shared his newfound perspective on dealing with pressure, a key factor in his recent success both with the bat and the ball.
Ashwin, known for his sharp tongue and combative nature, confessed to feeling overwhelmed by external and internal pressure in the past. He admitted to responding to every criticism and expectation, both from the media and himself.
“I’ve always responded to pressure, whether it was in answering someone, in a performance or a press conference,” Ashwin said. “But it’s not like that now. I want to play cricket with a smile on my face. I promised myself 4-5 years ago that I won’t respond to anyone, and I’ve been maintaining that till now.”
This newfound mental detachment has allowed Ashwin to focus on his primary objectives – bowling and batting – with greater clarity. He believes the two disciplines are distinct and require different approaches.
“Bowling and batting are very separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously, and the other one is done subconsciously. For me to compartmentalise both has taken its own due and at this stage, I’m able to sequence that and split both of them,” he explained.
Ashwin’s ability to compartmentalize and focus on the present is evident in his recent batting performances. He has worked diligently on refining his batting skills over the past three years, focusing on maximizing his shots and adapting to different bowling styles.
The success he has achieved, both as a bowler and batsman, has brought Ashwin a sense of contentment and joy, something he cherishes in the competitive world of professional sports.
“You feel happy about it, having been in a contest and coming out successful out of the contest. So, yeah, the underlying truth is that it gives me a lot of happiness competing in this game. This is just a vehicle for me to compete and feel good about myself and be happy at the end of the day,” he concluded.
First Piper 