"Flak You Have Given Me...": R Ashwin's Epic Reply to Dinesh Karthik Over Catch Banter

During the third Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, Ravichandran Ashwin displayed his prowess not only with the ball but also with a spectacular catch. On Day 2, Ashwin’s catch off Daryl Mitchell at long-on grabbed attention, as India sought to limit New Zealand's second innings score. Though spinners Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja kept the opposition in check, Mitchell and Will Young held firm for a while. Ultimately, it was Ashwin’s skillful catch that provided India with the breakthrough.

Mitchell attempted an aggressive shot off Jadeja, aiming to clear the long-on boundary, but failed to gain enough height and distance. Ashwin, stationed at long-on, sprinted 19 meters backwards, keeping his eye on the ball, and took a well-judged catch under pressure. This dismissal was crucial, breaking a resilient stand and giving India an edge as they aimed to wrap up New Zealand’s innings.

Following the catch, Ashwin’s long-time teammate and friend, Dinesh Karthik, couldn't resist a bit of banter. Karthik cheekily questioned Ashwin about the catch, sparking a lighthearted exchange. Ashwin responded humorously, saying, “For all the flak you’ve given me over the years, I don’t think I’ve dropped many [catches]. I was just telling myself that it’s going to leave me, but I wanted to get as close to the ball as possible. I’ve got great hands, so I trusted myself to go through with it.” Ashwin’s confidence and trust in his abilities were evident in his reply, highlighting his experience and composure in high-stakes situations.

In addition to the catch, Ashwin was impactful with the ball, claiming three wickets in the innings—all using his carrom ball, which extracted significant turn and bounce from the pitch. Analyzing the pitch behavior, Ashwin noted how each end responded differently. He explained that from the pavilion end, the pitch offered more bounce, while the other side remained flatter, presenting different challenges for batters. Recognizing these nuances, Ashwin adjusted his approach, using the pitch’s characteristics to his advantage.

Ashwin’s adaptability and presence of mind underscore his critical role in India’s bowling attack, especially in spin-friendly conditions. His all-around performance has been instrumental as India aims to dominate New Zealand in this series, further showcasing Ashwin’s value as one of India’s most versatile cricketers.