'Test cricket is what life is' says Ashwin on receiving 100th Test cap

𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝗳𝘁. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗶𝗻! ☺️#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @prithinarayanan | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/kIhho9q4uY

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024

Ashwin's cricket career was a dream that his father Ravichandran had seen for him. On the day of completing the 100th Test match, the ace spinner paid tribute to his father and thanked him for his belief and support.  "It's quite an emotional moment. Not just for me. I would not be shaken by emotions a lot. But today is a hugely emotional moment for a man who is sitting back in Chennai. Unfortunately, he couldn't make it here, Ashwin began before quickly recollecting his early days".

"The first day (as a kid cricketer), I still remember it very clearly, I would put my kit in front of the petrol tank, and then he would put me on the bike and take me to the coaching camp. A government employee (his dad) wanted to take his son all the way miles ahead in life, somewhere he imagined I would ever get. He got me here because of the help of my mom and, of course, my granddad", he added.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 🇮🇳

Huge congratulations to @ashwinravi99 on playing 100 Test matches for Team India. A true legend, weaving magic with every spin. Here's to many more wickets and memorable moments ahead! @BCCI pic.twitter.com/sTvmBLcdAi

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 7, 2024

His wife Preeti has been a constant pillar of support for him in periods of struggle. "My wife didn't know what she was getting into. She's gotten into it and she's standing next to me today. I have got two lovely kids who are also enjoying my journey over the last few years", Ashwin said.

𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚!

R Ashwin 🤝 Kuldeep Yadav

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/jnMticF6fc #TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ashwinravi99 | @imkuldeep18 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/hJyrCS6Hqh

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024

Head coach Rahul Dravid handed over the cap and said it was a well-deserved moment for the Tamil Nadu cricketer. "You have given everything faithfully to the team and today is your 100th Test. It was a journey that started from the streets of Chennai. It's been a long and eventful journey. It wouldn't have been possible without your family. Congratulations to them as well", he said.

"This is a well-deserved moment. It's been a privilege speaking with you. It's been a privilege to work with you as a coach. And of course, it's a privilege to hand this cap to you", Dravid said amidst applause from Ashwin's teammates, who gave him a guard of honour while entering the field.