“That fire is still burning but I don’t know how long will it last” – Ravichandran Ashwin on his career’s future

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stated that the fire is still burning but he is not sure how much fuel is left in his tank. Ashwin was awarded Player of the Series for the 11th time in Test cricket, equaling legendary Muttiah Muralitharan’s record. Ashwin scored 114 runs in two innings at an average of 57 and also scalped 11 wickets in the series against Bangladesh, the joint most with Jasprit Bumrah.

Ashwin recently turned 38 and it will be interesting to note how long he keeps playing at the top level. The all-rounder has been a great match-winner for India in the red-ball format and he will look to keep up the good show.

Speaking to Jio Cinema, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “I don’t know. I think if you have miles in your legs and you can run really well. Look I think, it’s a day-to-day thing. Like I said, the joy of walking out there and going to a net and have that enthusiasm to be able to try and practice something is what drives me. As of now, that fire is still burning but I don’t know how long will it last. I don’t want to think about it and play just one Test at a time and one day at a time and enjoy this.”

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja has been preferred by the team in the overseas conditions. Ashwin said he backs Jadeja to the hilt even when he is not part of the playing XI.

“It’s very simple for me. If he plays, I’ll back him all day, all night. I have to. I have repeated this again and again. It doesn’t cross my head any more at all (competing with Jadeja). If he is the one that has to play, he is the one that has to play, and I have complete faith, and I’ve got his back when he goes out there to play.”

India will next take on Bangladesh in the opening T20I at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior on Sunday.