The Tamilnadu Cricket Association felicitates cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin for taking 500 check wickets in 100 matches throughout the occasion held at MA Chidambaram Cricket Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: VEDHAN M
Indian cricketer R. Ashwin was felicitated by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association in a glittering ceremony at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday for his feats of turning into the first Tamil Nadu cricketer to play 100 Tests and solely the second Indian to go previous 500 wickets in Test cricket.
The star-studded occasion was attended by former ICC Chairman and BCCI President N. Srinivasan, former India captains Anil Kumble and Ok. Srikkanth, and present BCCI President Roger Binny.
Kumble spoke about the similarities between his and Ashwin’s careers, beginning with their engineering backgrounds and turning into unintentional spinners.
“He is right up there with the best to have represented the country. His numbers are outstanding compared to the best in the sport and have been further embellished by his role in driving the team to victory. There is an overwhelming correlation between his and India’s successes,” stated Kumble.
Kumble felt Ashwin ought to have performed his a centesimal Test a lot earlier and praised his dedication in turning up for his membership, TNPL and State facet frequently.
Apart from the dignitaries who had been current, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, former India coach Ravi Shastri and present head coach Rahul Dravid additionally despatched of their needs through video recording.
“He has moved the craft of spin bowling forward through his hard work, dedication, innovation and desire to improve, and that’s a great legacy to have,” stated Dravid about the 37-year-old off-spinner.
“He has moved our understanding and knowledge of spin bowling forward over the last 15-16 years.
“Ashwin has left the art and science of spin bowling in a much better place.”
Shastri added, “Spinners mature with age, and you still have a lot of cricket left in you. It is an enormous achievement.”
Meanwhile, N. Srinivasan spoke with candour, saying, “This is an emotional meeting for me. Ashwin is my son. Playing 100 Tests and getting 500 wickets is beyond imaginable. He has overcome many obstacles and is a team man; that is what I like about him.”
The TNCA bestowed upon Ashwin an unique occasion Blazer and a Mace, a special day stamp, a symbolic ‘500’ memento embedded with 500 gold cash, a silver memento for finishing 100 Tests, and a cheque for ₹ one crore.
In his acceptance speech, Ashwin fondly recalled his early reminiscences of getting chosen for the TN under-14 facet and receiving his first IPL contract from Chennai Super Kings after his match-winning efforts in a league recreation for Jolly Rovers towards India Cements.
“This place has given me so much. I always keep coming back to the TNCA. Tomorrow, I might not be alive, but my soul will be hanging around this place,” stated Ashwin.
