Former India off-spinner R Ashwin thought about retiring after his 100th Test but finally took the call midway into the tour of Australia to ensure the “whole circle” related to his spot in the playing eleven doesn’t repeat itself. Speaking on a newly-launched podcast by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Ashwin told CSK batting coach Mike … Read more
Ashwin bhai is a legend, and since my early days, I have closely followed his journey, particularly because he was one of the first in India to bowl the carrom ball. As someone who bowls the carrom ball frequently, I have always taken inspiration from him. A couple of years ago, I finally had the opportunity to share … Read more
When we began playing age-group cricket more than two decades ago, I distinctly remember hearing the name Ravichandran Ashwin for the first time. While I represented Hyderabad, Ashwin, back then, was a top-order batter for Tamil Nadu. In one of the Vijay Merchant Trophy Under-17 fixtures, he opened the innings for his team, hammered us all … Read more
Ash bhai has been a legend, and you naturally look up to him. I have always admired his mindset and approach towards the game. As a spinner, he is like a scientist — constantly experimenting and trying out new things. His ability to vary his bowling is simply incredible. He is never a predictable bowler. If … Read more
A decade ago, I met Ash for the first time in Chennai, thanks to Eric Simmons, who was then the bowling coach of the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). Eric connected us. Around that time, Ash was preparing for the England tour. I travelled to Chennai to meet him and to bowl alongside him. He was … Read more
I was just 20 years old when I shared the dressing room with R. Ashwin for the first time. What struck me immediately was his determination and his relentless desire to improve, despite already having extensive experience. That quality is something I truly admire. For me, and for all of us who aspire to represent … Read more
Ravichandran Ashwin is a matchwinner. He is a thorough professional who has excelled throughout his career. Every time you watch him bowl, you can see that he wants to get better and is trying to outwit the batter in any circumstance. You want to see that in any cricketer, and he’s done that for 14–15 years. … Read more
The morning after has been one of reflection and praise. Once R. Ashwin retired from international cricket at Brisbane’s Gabba on Wednesday evening, the overwhelming reaction was unanimous respect. But there was a lot that happened in the lead-up to the announcement that stunned the cricketing universe. Just as Wednesday was oscillating between rain and … Read more
India off-spinner R. Ashwin said his decision to announce his retirement on day five of the Brisbane Test against Australia was ‘instinctive’ despite the thought running in his head for a while. “It’s emotional for a lot of people, and maybe it will sink in but for me, it is a great sense of relief … Read more
India’s premier off-spinner R. Ashwin announced his retirement during the press conference after day five of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday. The 38-year-old ended his international career with 537 Test wickets, only behind Anil Kumble’s 619. The allrounder has also picked 156 ODI wickets and 71 T20I … Read more