Ravichandran Ashwin – a cricketer with an educated edge

A fan’s take on a phenomenon that took World Cricket by storm..

At times divisive with his sharp anecdotes and take on the game, Ashwin’s presence towered into one of the most respected figures in the modern game not only for mastery of his craft but also for his fearless approach towards the game itself.

Ashwin burst onto Indian cricket mainstream in 2011, as a part of title winning 2011 WC side and title winning 2011 CSK side, he didn’t take a step back afterwards.

2012 was a low point for him after England home series, however 2013 saw his revival after famous Australian series win and then followed by match winning last over in Champions Trophy final.

A student of the game couldn’t have had a greater test in Cricket, than a visit to land of Lankan lions. Not only did he roar but the way he weaved his magic around Sri Lankan Cricketers especially Sangakkara was just poetry in motion.

Years rolled by and we all got accustomed to Ashwin turning up match after match, series after series delivering champion performance, to the extent that it became a second nature to all fans – India puts up whatever runs on the board, Ashwin then does the job that too clinically!

If ever I can be pardoned to make a comparison with the legend - Mr. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar – only other cricketer who could wrap us up in attentive web, with the ball in hand, it was Ashwin.

However, if I were to be honest, 2021 series against England where he didn’t feature in any of the matches, was hurtful. I was seated at Lords – Edrich Stand Upper Tier and English fans there couldn’t hold back their disbelief of Ashwin not being selected. To be honest, I was enraged as well.

Only opportunity I had to witness him in person was in Pune last year against New Zealand, where unfortunately things didn’t go as per plan. Maybe it was then sun started setting in his career.

Ashwin, you have given us so much of joy and memories, that I am not even sure it has dawned on you the effect of your void that our team will face in years to come. You were not only a champion bowler but also a committed soldier who didn’t shy away from any confrontation (even with bat in hand) and always were willing to go that extra mile to see us over the line.

Your rise in Indian cricket and world cricket, is a testimony of distance one can travel with self-belief, perseverance and toil.

Thank you Ashwin, you will be missed…