Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on why he doesn't watch cricket anymore

Indian spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin was the star man as he picked his 27th five wicket haul in red ball cricket on Friday in Vizag. The men in blue concluded the day on the driving seat as South Africa were restricted at 385/8. Ashwin had claimed two wickets on day 2 and added three more to his sum on day 3.

After the conclusion of day 3, Ashwin spoke to the media where he was questioned on why he had stopped watching cricket when he was not in the Test team. The 33 year old responded to it by saying that he has two kids at home now.

"For starters, I have two kids who don't sleep that well at nights. Jokes apart, I felt like everytime I watch the game on TV, I felt like I wanted to play the game and I was missing out. It is very natural, everybody goes through it," Ashwin said.

Ashwin further went on to say that he tried reading books while he was away from the game.

"I generally tried to do a few other things in my life as well. Books and a bit of archaeology stuff, I enjoyed," Ashwin added.

Ashwin, who played his last Test match in December 2018, stated that there is nothing more special that claiming a five wickets haul for the men in blue.

"I am elated to be back. There is nothing like picking up a five-wicket haul for your country. This place is very special for me but I enjoyed a five-wicket haul for Nottingham too. One is not too lesser than the other," Ashwin said.

Ashwin further stated that it was a tough task staying away from cricket for nine months.

"To stay away from cricket itself was very tough for me. In order to substitute, I played whatever games I got. I tried and made opportunity for myself to go and play some county cricket (for Nottinghamshire). I tried and played the TNPL as much as I could, played some league cricket in Chennai," Ashwin added.

Furthermore, during the match Ravendra Jadeja became the fastest left arm bowler to claim 200 wickets. Dean Elgar was Jadeja’s 200th prey in red ball cricket. Jadeja attained this milestone in 44 Tests.