Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, is set to play his 100th Test match, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he embarks on this milestone, it’s worth revisiting the qualities that have made him one of the greats of the game.
From a young age, Ashwin displayed an uncanny intelligence and competitive spirit. His childhood coach, Sunil Subramaniam, was immediately impressed by his intuitive understanding of the game and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Ashwin’s height and long, strong fingers gave him a unique advantage, allowing him to extract bounce and generate significant spin.
Throughout his career, Ashwin has constantly pushed the boundaries of spin bowling. He has mastered the art of setting up batters, making it almost impossible for even the best players to score against him. His ability to drift the ball away from right-handers has become a trademark, and he has perfected it over the years.
Despite injuries and periods of downtime, Ashwin has remained at the forefront of spin bowling. Subramaniam believes that his peak came between his 200th and 350th Test wickets, when he became a master at setting up and dismissing top batters.
Ashwin himself acknowledges the challenges he has faced, but he emphasizes that the journey has been special. He has learned from his mistakes and used them to fuel his determination to innovate and stay relevant.
As he prepares for his 100th Test, Ashwin’s mind is focused on the task at hand. He is a true competitor who thrives on the big stage. His journey has been one of ups and downs, but it has also been a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.
