An Engineer & A Sportsman
A B.Tech in Information Technology, Ravichandran Ashwin was adept at academics and sports, but his passion for Cricket led to his career decision. He initially started as an opening batsman but then switched to off-spin bowling. A determined hard worker, Ashwin took to the grind at Chepauk and learned his craft from his coaches C K Vijaya Kumar and Sunil Subramaniam before being mentored by W V Raman. His guile as an off-spinner and the ability to out-think the batsman impressed Indian selectors and after a successful IPL season with CSK in 2010, Ashwin was drafted into the Indian Team.
Mighty Stats & Legendary Status
14 years hence, Ashwin has scripted a place for himself in International Cricket which is no less than legendary. His statistics are a reflection of his dominance over batsmen across the world and also of his stylish batting prowess, becoming a nemesis for many an opposition. A 100 Test matches, 522 wickets at an amazing average of just 23.7, 37 times securing 5 plus wickets in an innings and on 8 occasions scalping more than 10 wickets in a match. In batting too he is one of the select few to have scored more than 3000 runs ( 3422 ) at an average of 27 with 6 hundreds and 14 fifties. His lazy elegance and steely determination have bailed out India under trying circumstances and his latest ton against Bangladesh not only rescued India from a precarious 144/6 but ensured victory in the end.
The Wily Ashwin
Ashwin, now 38 and in the twilight of his career, continues to work on his bowling, adding layers of wily deception to it. His commitment to his art is monumental. A thinking bowler, he has mastered his craft without doubt. As they say, he always remains in the Zone. No wonder Ashwin stepped in, hastened a collapse and snared 6 wickets while Bangladesh was displaying resistance, leaving an indelible mark on India’s victory at his home ground and deservedly earning the Player of the Match award.
Ashwin’s contribution to India’s success both locally and abroad has been monumental and he is no less a legend than many superstars in the Indian Team and when it comes to Chennai, he Lord’s over it.
Watch Ashwin’s YouTube video ‘My dear Chepauk’ on his YT channel.
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