Ravichandran Ashwin was filled with emotions and pride as he walked out to mark one of the biggest milestones in the fifth and final Test against England. Ashwin received a special 100th Test cap from India head coach Rahul Dravid on Thursday at Dharamshala.
The 37-year-old Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and has taken 511 wickets as of now. He also took his 500th Test wicket during the ongoing India-England Test series. Talking about the importance of red-ball cricket, Ashwin mentioned how Test cricket is the closest synergy that one can find to life.
"IPL has been a hugely popular tournament many kids want to play T20 and get into the IPL. I do wish that they get there. But remember one thing, Test is in a lot of things that life wouldn't teach you," Ashwin said. "I think Test cricket is what life is. It is the closest synergy that you can find to life. It will teach you to adapt, and deal with pressures.
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.
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.
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.
First Published:ย Mar 7, 2024 1:31 PM IST
