Ravichandran Ashwin – An Accidental Spinner
‘Get up Ashwin otherwise you will be late for the practice’. Ashwin’s father Mr. Ravichandran used to wake him up at 5.30 in the morning for training. Ashwin used to hate it. Ashwin mentioned about it in an interview with Spicy Pitch that his dad used to collect all the trophies and paper cuttings since the early days. He still collects the trophies of Ashwin and keeps it carefully. He has a specific seat at home and glued to it during the match.
Embed from Getty ImagesAccidental Spinner:
Ashwin started his cricket as an opener and used to bowl medium pace. During the under 14 state championship, he got injured and dropped from the team. He had to stay out of the game for almost six months and lost his opening slot when he returned. The circumstance forced him to learn the off-break bowling to retain his place in the Tamil Nadu state team.
Chennai Gully Cricket:
Tennis ball cricket is very popular in Chennai. Different clubs used to hire Ashwin to play for them. During a final match, some goons came on motorbikes at Ashwin’s house to accompany him. Ashwin was very pleased and thanked the organizer for sending the pickup. They stopped at a tea stall and offered tea and snacks to Ashwin. Ashwin was delighted. However, soon Ashwin realized they were from the opposition and would not allow Ashwin to play the match. He pleaded but they refused. Finally, they dropped Ashwin home after the match was over.
Embed from Getty ImagesGen-Next Cricket Institute and Ashwin Foundation:
Ashwin is the mentor of Gen-Next Cricket Institute which is founded by his father. It has branches in Chennai, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates and Maidenhead, United Kingdom. Ashwin also established ‘Ashwin Foundation’. The foundation helps underprivileged relentlessly.
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Featured Image Credit: Bollywood Hungama – CC BY 3.0 (resized as per the need and changed the background)