I’m in awesome form: Ravichandran Ashwinc

CSK off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin tells DNA that Dhoni’s backing is a big motivating factor.

How does it feel to lift the title after two unsuccessful attempts?
It’s fine we didn’t win in South Africa because we were playing away from home. It’s always a special feeling to play at home. It was the same venue (DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai) in the final but the opponents were the formidable Mumbai Indians, not Rajasthan Royals. We were much better on the night. We always had the ambition to be a top team like Manchester United.

Did you expect to win after such a roller coaster ride?
There have been some must-win situations for us and we have bounced back, believing that we have it in ourselves to win the crown. The match against KKR was important where I bowled well and then the Delhi match, which we won in the 19th over, helped the run rate. We had to win the last league game. We have been in such situation before and batted very well. It was a big win.

What motivates the team?
You don’t need better motivation than a captain. Dhoni is a national captain and he is always relaxed. If he feels you can contribute to the team’s cause, he will back you, which is a big motivating factor. Another factor is that the Indian players have performed. Foreign cricketers, except Bollinger, Murali and Morkel, didn’t do much. Local players like Raina, Vijay, Badri, myself and Dhoni have been phenomenal.

How do you rate your performance?
I have been in an awesome form this
season. I had some bad games too but I am proud of the way we bounced back. I have been one of the major factors. I have the lowest economy rate (5.88 runs per over) in the three
seasons and I am quite happy with this year’s performance too (13 wickets).

You have bowled with the new ball. How tough or easy is it?
I have been bowling regularly with the new balls and opened in eight games. It is a challenge and I have done it before. To bowl against the likes of Tendulkar, Sehwag, Warner, Gayle is a big opportunity. I was backed by my captain as I was getting wickets.

Slow bowlers have been very effective...
We are not giving away any width and bowling a straight line. Batsmen have a tough job as they need pace to play shots and have to work on the ball, which sometimes results in miscue. Anil (Kumble) has been phenomenal.

Disappointed to be left out for World T20 squad?
I won’t say that I am disappointed. I had a shout among the 30 probables and was in contention. I have been in the scheme of things for the last one year. I was honoured to be in the probables’ list.

What did you learn from Muralitharan?
He is a great example for youngsters on how to prepare. He is the man with 1500 international wickets and you learn so much from his preparation. We were in awe of him.