• Source:JND
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India vs Bangladesh Chennai Test: One of the key architects of India's victory in the first Test, veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin and captain Rohit Sharma were all smiles and engaged in a fun banter following the hosts' mammoth 280-run victory over Bangladesh on Sunday.

During a post-match presentation, Ashwin playfully revealed that he desired to keep his post-match interview brief, inspired by captain Rohit Sharma's challenge to beat him in shortness.

Fresh from turning 38 on September 17, Ashwin claimed his 10th Player of the Match award in Test cricket, which he fondly described as a "birthday gift" to himself.

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"He updated me saying that we would have a long chat. He is waiting to see how long this will go on for. I am sure he has put the timer on. Now it's shorter than his (chat)," as Ashwin spoke, the TV cameras cut to Rohit Sharma, who suddenly erupted into laughter.

India captain also lauded R Ashwin and suggested that the off-spinner deserved to share his views on his excellent performance in the Chennai Test.

Ashwin's century in the first innings marked his sixth in Test cricket and second at his home ground, Chepauk. Ashwin's outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Ashwin's impactful century and six-wicket haul sealed India's 280-run victory in the Chennai Test. The key 199-run partnership with Jadeja helped India recover from 144/6 to post a competitive 376 in the first innings.

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Ashwin credited his outstanding all-round performance to his power to diverge his mental strategy for batting and bowling, letting him concentrate effectively in the middle.

"It was a special innings, didn't sink in till day 2. I make a living by bowling, so bowling comes first. I think like a bowler naturally but have focused my thoughts with batting. The compartmentalisation is work in progress," he added.