Calcutta: Ravichandran Ashwin went wicketless in the first innings of the first Test against the West Indies, but came back superbly in the second to snare seven wickets. It was head coach Anil Kumble's advice that helped India's lead spinner to stage a turnaround.

Speaking to bcci.tv, Ashwin, who was awarded the Man of the Match award in the Antigua Test, said that Kumble, himself a champion spinner in his playing days, gave him ideas about different lines he could bowl to the Caribbean batsmen.

Asked about his interaction with Kumble, Ashwin said: "That is the biggest advantage of having Anil bhai in the dressing room. In the first innings, I went wicketless for about 25-25 overs that I bowled.

"In the past, that would have definitely troubled me as I am a bowler who likes to keep getting wickets. I kept speaking to him (Kumble) about what I was doing right and what I wasn't.

"Obviously, he felt that my body was not going through as it was a little tired. He also told me to slow down a little at the crease.

"He gave me different ideas about what lines I can bowl to batsmen. It is all about the knack of getting wickets," Ashwin said.

Speaking about his bowling experience on the slow and sluggish track at North Sound, Ashwin said: "In the first innings, I could not get a good spell going. The fast bowlers were bowling really we had and we had to shortchange with them for roles and bowl and give them breaks.

"In the second innings, I started bowling and I was constantly in touch with Anil bhai also about what is the right speed to bowl with. Speeds were something that was going to be a challenge as the ball was getting softer and as it got softer, it was hard to get the ball going.

"It was slow and sluggish, so we needed to keep a tab on the speed and also get the drift going," Ashwin explained.

Ashwin became only the third cricketer after Garry Sobers and Ian Botham to have taken a five-for and scored a century both at home and away. Asked about that, Ashwin said: "I don't know... That is the wrong way to put it... You're clubbing me with Sir Garry Sobers and Sir Ian Botham. These are some of the biggest names that the cricketing world as ever seen.

"To be really modest and analytical of it, it has taken me five years to repeat it (five-wicket haul and century in a Test) outside the subcontinent...

"That is something I always wanted to break. Getting a five-wicket haul away from the subcontinent is something I have worked hard on and I am really pleased for myself.

About winning the Man of the Match award for his contributions both with the bat and ball, Ashwin said: "I always value myself as an all-rounder. Batting at No. 6, there is always more opportunities to get a hundred than at No.8. I have started really well on that. I hope I go from strength to strength from here on."

"For me, the most important thing coming into this game and series was to take a five-wicket haul. To be batting at No. 6 was a complete surprise for me.

"Virat told me on the morning of the match and I really liked what he said. He told me, 'Wet trust you and want you to bat at No.6 and see how it works'.

"I wanted to give something back to the team. I wanted to show I was good at No. 6 and wanted to lend some solidity.

"From there on, it was quite a tiring innings and I played about 250 balls. I wanted to exhibit how I can bowl after a tiring innings as well, so I was pleased with that."

Apart from Ashwin, captain Virat Kohli too had a fabulous Test, scoring his maiden Test double century. "Honestly, I think this Man of the Match award could have gone to Virat as well.

"If I had not got a five-wicket haul or if I had just got a five-wicket haul, I would have shared with him, but with seven wickets and a hundred, I felt I deserved it a bit more. But I am sure with the kind of form he is in and the way he is batting, he is going to do even better on this tour."