NEW DELHI: During the 2011 final against Royal Challengers Bangalore, the mastermind behind innovative strategies surprised everyone by assigning the new ball to Ravichandran Ashwin. This unexpected decision proved pivotal as the young off-spinner promptly made an impact by dismissing the formidable Chris Gayle in just the fourth delivery of the match.
That memorable evening at Chepauk Stadium marked the beginning of Ashwin’s journey with Chennai Super Kings, laying the groundwork for his illustrious career. Fast forward more than a decade, Ashwin has encountered a remarkable roller-coaster ride, culminating in a significant milestone of 100 Test matches and an impressive tally of 516 wickets in the traditional format.
In a special felicitation ceremony organized by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to celebrate his exceptional achievements of 500 wickets and a century of Tests, Ashwin took a moment to reflect on the trust and belief instilled in him by Dhoni all those years ago.
“I usually don’t struggle to express my emotions. I am genuinely grateful and humbled to be present here,” expressed Ashwin, who was honored with a reward of Rs one crore by TNCA for his rare accomplishments, his voice reflecting deep emotion.
Acknowledging his first IPL captain Dhoni, Ashwin attributed his success to him, stating: “In 2008, I encountered all the legends in the CSK dressing room, including Mathew Hayden and MS Dhoni. I was a newcomer back then, contemplating how I could fit into a team that boasted Muttiah Muralitharan.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to Dhoni for the opportunity he gave me. He entrusted me with the new ball to face Chris Gayle, and even after 17 years, Anil bhai still recalls that particular incident fondly,” he reminisced.
Initially recruited as a local spinner by CSK in 2008, Ashwin did not get a chance to play as the iconic Muralitharan led their spin attack.
The 37-year-old cricketer from Chennai is well-known for his strategic prowess in the game, consistently reinventing himself to accumulate a multitude of wickets in the longest format.
“Anil bhai and Rahul (Dravid) bhai briefly touched upon that. It’s quite challenging to win a debate with me. This is because I believe that argumentation is a significant pathway to excellence. The argument is never against the individual; it always leads to genuine learning in the end,” he remarked as Kumble observed from the stage.
Ashwin also expressed his appreciation to numerous Tamil Nadu stalwarts present at the event, including his initial First-Class captain S Badrinath and former batsman S Sharath, now an India selector.
Known for his effectiveness against left-handed batsmen, Ashwin credited Sharath for honing his bowling skills against southpaws.
“Many have talked about my dominance over left-handers. My first experience with left-handers was with Mr. S Sharath sitting right in front. Someone suggested that as a proficient off-spinner, I should attempt to dismiss this man.
“I managed to dismiss him once, caught at slip, but in the subsequent games I played with Sharath, he never succumbed to my bowling again. That’s the kind of batsman he was. Bowling extensively to him made me a much better bowler against left-handers.
Demonstrating his commitment to Tamil Nadu and club cricket, Ashwin continues to make himself available for domestic events when not involved in national duties.
“This place has given me so much that I feel compelled to return here time and again. People often question why I keep coming back. Even if I’m not physically present, my spirit will linger around this place. That’s the significance this place holds for me,” Ashwin concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)