Indian cricket witnessed a momentous occasion on March 16, Saturday as the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) celebrated Ravichandran Ashwin's remarkable achievement of 500 Test wickets and 100 Test appearances for India. This feat, accomplished during the recent home series against England, solidified Ashwin's position as a true legend of the game. However, amidst the celebratory atmosphere at the Chennai function, Ashwin took a moment to acknowledge a pivotal turning point in his career. He credited a crucial decision made by MS Dhoni during their time together with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, a memory he continues to cherish.
R Ashwin recollect MS Dhoni's career-changing call
MS Dhoni's reputation for unconventional strategies is well-known, and a prime example came in the 2011 IPL final. Chennai Super Kings faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and in a surprising move, Dhoni handed the new ball to a young, relatively inexperienced Ravichandran Ashwin, defying expectations and the typical strategy against the in-form Chris Gayle. This bold decision paid off immediately – Ashwin dismissed Gayle with just his fourth delivery, paving the way for a Chennai victory.
This moment served as a springboard for Ashwin's career. Having debuted in limited-overs cricket for India in 2010, Ashwin impressed everyone with his performance against Gayle. He went on to make his Test debut in 2011 and has since become a stalwart of Indian cricket. During a recent felicitation ceremony celebrating his achievement of 100 Test appearances and 500 wickets, an emotional Ashwin specifically credited Dhoni's decision as a turning point in his journey.
Dhoni gave me an opportunity with the new ball to go head on with Chris Gayle: Ashwin
"In 2008 I met all the greats (in CSK dressing room) Mathew Hayden and MS Dhoni. I sat through (IPL) 2008. I was a nobody then, where am I to play in a team that had Muttiah Muralitharan. I am indebted to Dhoni for the rest of my life for what he gave me. He gave me an opportunity with the new ball to go head on with Chris Gayle and 17 years later Anil bhai would be talking about the same episode," Ashwin recounted during the felicitation ceremony.
During his time with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from 2008 to 2015, Ashwin carved out a successful career within the franchise. He established himself as a vital part of their bowling attack, taking a staggering 120 wickets in 121 appearances. This impressive performance cemented his position as CSK's third-highest wicket-taker, surpassed only by the legendary Dwayne Bravo (154) and his spin-bowling partner Ravindra Jadeja (134). However, Ashwin's journey in the IPL takes a turn in 2024. He'll be seen sporting the Rajasthan Royals jersey for the upcoming season, marking his return to the franchise. Get ready for the cricketing action to unfold, as IPL 2024 kicks off on March 22 in Bengaluru.
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