Ashwin credits batting coach Rathour for improvement in his batting

Chennai: Premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who scored his 5th Test ton on Monday credited the Indian team’s batting coach Vikram Rathour for the improvement in his batting in last few months.

Ashwin put on a batting masterclass on the third day of the ongoing Test against England at challenging Chepauk pitch. He showed everyone how to bat on a deteriorating surface with an excellent century, putting India in a commanding position.

‘‘I can’t say it’s been happening in the last three days, I have been practising with Vikram Rathore. I would love to credit him with how my batting has come through over the last four-five matches,’’ Ashwin said at the end of the third day’s play.

The spinner was very pleased with his performance in front of his home crowd.

‘I don’t know when the next Test is going to be here, but I am pleased. Don’t know if I will play another Test in Chennai, and if at all, when...’ he said.

Mohammed Siraj, who came to bat at number eleven also supported Ashwin well from other end. He hit a couple of sixes and Ashwin enjoyed watching it from the other end.

‘‘In the past when, he’s (Ishant) been with me when I got hundreds at home and once Siraj came, I knew how to approach. I was thrilled for his batting and told him to go through the line of the ball. It was amazing to see how excited he was when I got my hundred,’’ Ashwin said. (UNI)