Ravichandran Ashwin, the renowned Indian spinner, has been a consistent performer in both bowling and batting. During the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, Ashwin scored his sixth century in the format, equaling MS Dhoni’s tally. At 38, Ashwin is nearing the end of his illustrious career, and his wife Prithi’s recent remarks have given him pause.
“My wife told me that when she watched the Duleep Trophy highlights, she noticed all the off-spinners bowling,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “She asked me when I would leave the team to give others a chance.”
Ashwin’s words reflect the reality that younger players are emerging and eager to make their mark. The competition for places in the Indian team is intense, and even established stars like Ashwin must constantly prove their worth.
Meanwhile, Ashwin has also commented on the contrasting coaching styles of Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir. Dravid, who led India to the T20 World Cup triumph, was known for his “regimented” approach, while Gambhir is more relaxed.
“With Rahul bhai, everything had to be in order,” Ashwin said. “Even a bottle had to be kept in a specific place at a specific time.”
In contrast, Gambhir is more laid-back and creates a lively atmosphere in the dressing room. “He’s like a ‘relaxed Rancho,'” Ashwin said, referring to the character from the Bollywood film “3 Idiots.”
Gambhir’s approach has been well-received by the players, who appreciate his relaxed demeanor. He has also guided India to victory in his first Test assignment against Bangladesh.
As Ashwin approaches the twilight of his career, he faces the challenge of adapting to the changing landscape of Indian cricket. The emergence of young talent and the contrasting coaching styles of Dravid and Gambhir will undoubtedly shape his final years in the game.
