R Ashwin and Kane Williamson: the most contrasting Test centurions

“The only thing I’ve ever made se…” Kane Williamson would not use the word ‘sexy’at all. He was responding to a statement made to him during the press conference about how he would turned the otherwise dull phrase, “it is what it is” into a sexy phenomenon. Well, you did see a little smirk dance over his lips before Williamson’s forever monk-like expression took charge again. The 33-year-old minimized the suggestion, despite it being used intentionally for another answer, pointing to the reporter who had originally asked him about it.

The rest of it was just Kane. Kane the regular. The routine Kane. The nothing-much-to-say-but-will-be-polite Kane. The’it is what it is ” Kane.

It’s kind of ironic that Williamson would be starting his 100th Test in Christchurch a day after R Ashwin would have kicked it off in Dharamsala. And that Ashwin held his press conference a day before the former New Zealand captain. Now, it wasn’t the most trademark of Ashwin press conferences. He was punchy but lacked the inherent feisty element. His answers were truthful though he did not look combative in all his answers. He was reflective but without getting too tempted to challenge any of the questions posed to him, as he can tend to do at times. At times, Ashwin may respond to your question with his own If he does not rate your question. It wasn’t to be here.

But it was all Ashwin though. Not ever a dull moment. He dealt with every issue head on. Never a chance to even look away. The’ this is how I am’ Ashwin.

Williamson is far from being “dull,” despite his initial dislike for being called that by a journalist. But again, without really remonstrating about it with any venom. It’s just that forget not laying his cards out on the table, at times you wonder if even carries the pack to the table.

Despite their differing personalities, Williamson and Ashwin both come with a clear expectation. They never disappoint. It relates to their identity as well as character and their overall performance on the field.

Two other prominent cricketers will in addition play in their 100th matches in both Tests. Jonny Bairstow has already done so and been done in by Kuldeep Yadav’s wiles yet again. Tim Southee will walk out to toss Friday (March 8) morning, and he will be New Zealand’s first fast bowler to do so.

But you wouldn’t find two more distinctive characters in the modern game than Ashwin and Williamson, and for them to be ticking off such a significant milestone simultaneously does have a tinge of irony to it.

The cricketer who everybody around the globe is convinced that they need to love and a cricketer who many people feel the need to find a reason for not liking. If with Williamson there is never a question of not falling for his genuine niceness in all situations, with Ashwin there’s always a question of if only he wasn’t so borderline abrasive in certain situations. It’s again not at all a slight on him.

There aren’t much more cricketers on the planet more comfortable in their own skin than Ashwin, almost to a fault too. He’s come this far and attained world – beating numbers largely by remaining true to himself.

You wonder whether Ashwin has been subjected to regular criticism throughout his career due to his performances or due to the impression that his critics have of him an individual. Not that he needs to change who he is and not like he can either.

Compare that to the universal adoration for Williamson throughout the good and the difficult times that the Black Caps’ No 3 has had throughout his illustrious career. Williamson has had to cope with his share of negative reactions too over the years, but it’s always seemingly been masked by that unique reminder that he’s still Kane.

You can spot an extension of how and who they are in terms of their cricket as well. Not to forget how contrasting. Williamson’s game is built on simplicity. While Ashwin thrives on complexity. There’s a sameness and a preciseness to everything Williamson the batter does in the middle. Every move Ashwin the bowler makes in the middle is suspenseful and mysterious.

Yet, you’ll stay glued to the cricket when either of them is in action. Ashwin bowling is the perfect blend of scientific genius if Williamson’s technique is deft and subtle.

Their journeys to reach this point have been different too but there is a connection that neither might have preferred not to have to deal with. The pedantry about both their stats is the reason for it. Ashwin and Williamson seem to be contemporary greats and will inevitably be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But not a day goes by, when specific elements of their numbers are laid bare with people questioning not just their credentials but also their statuses. If for Ashwin, it’s his record outside the subcontinent and the West Indies that gets unfairly talked up as being a discrepancy, Williamson’s averages against India, England and Australia are a constant source of consternation for many. It has already been mentioned in this series, particularly after his double failure at Wellington. It will only take a matter of time before Ashwin numbers in Australia are making the rounds with the avalanche of nit-pickers eager to take advantage of the situation.

Having come this far into their careers, it’s not likely neither will even try to alter their stripes at all. Williamson and Ashwin have demonstrated they intend to continue being who they are throughout their careers, which will further enhance their legacy. You’d think the two will also bow out in distinct fashions and their respective teams will take a lot to recover from their losses.

There’s one part of Williamson’s press conference which most likely sums up the largest difference between the two.

I distinctly recall walking out and examining the field, noticing all my heroes. As a child, I enjoyed playing backyard cricket and would try to select all those guys in that team. Tendulkar, Laxman, and Dravid were present and it was akin to asking, “How are I here?” I’d better start watching the ball and try and compete’,” is how Williamson described his first day out as a Test batter, in Ahmedabad back in late 2010. It is apparent that Ashwin wouldn’t put anybody on a pedestal. Anyway, not publicly. And particularly not when he is still an active cricketer. It was endearing to hear him talk about his biggest problems at the household level during his press conference though. But that too will in some circles lead to some sort of rebuttal or reaction. But as Williamson will point out, “it is what it is” after all.