It takes two to tango and Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have consistently pummelled the opposition into submission in home conditions.
It hasn't been any different in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, though this time their 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket pulled India out of trouble after being reduced to 144/6.
While Jadeja claimed two wickets to end a threatening stand between Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das after lunch on the second day, Ashwin went wicketless after his well-compiled 113.
“I always envy him. So gifted, so talented. He's found ways to maximise his potential. I wish I could be him, but I'm glad I am myself,” Ashwin did not hide his admiration for Jadeja at the end of the day.
Ashwin admitted that having Jadeja at the other end helped him get to his sixth Test hundred.
“He is an exceptionally good cricketer. I'm happy for him. Likewise, in so many ways, I think watching him bat over the last couple of years has also given me insight on how better I can be,” he said.
The pair went past the mark of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh (501 wickets) to emerge as India’s most successful bowling combination in Test cricket.
“He keeps it really simple. He can repeat it (bowling) day in and day out. So, both of us have grown together. Both of us have done some special things.
“We really value one another at this stage and both of us are enjoying each other's success more than ever before,” Ashwin said.
But the business is unfinished. They will now have to bowl together once more in Bangladesh’s fourth innings to take the side home.
“I think there's a bit more up-and-down bounce. I would say the carry is there still. It's probably quickened up a touch (today) and then it's again gone on the slower side. I really do think as this game pans out, if at all it gets to the fourth-fifth day, it will turn for certain.
“But the challenge going ahead in this pitch would be to negotiate spin, as the surface in due course will be able to do its tricks on the batters,” he said.
This was Ashwin's second successive century at his home ground following a 106 against England in similar circumstances in 2021. He didn't wish to rate which one was better.
"Both. (The England Test) had so much riding on it. We lost the first one and came to the second. Last time when I played at Chennai, I felt like I was making sort of a comeback in more than one way. I was a little here and there. I went to Australia and came back here. That was different and I enjoyed it.
"I think my batting has come along a lot better since that particular game. I worked quite a lot on how I can maximise my shots, maximise my game. I worked on how I can play fast bowling and all that sort of stuff. I'm glad it's coming out nicely."
What keeps Ashwin going at 38?
"Happiness. You want to be good. You excel. You feel happy at the end of the day. It drives me towards that. Every time I do well, it leaves me in a good, happy state of mind."