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Ravichandran Ashwin, currently not in the Indian team, remains active by following India’s World Cup matches and sharing his insights on social media. Recently, he revealed another untold anecdote involving MS Dhoni.
Taking a break from international cricket, Ashwin, now a senior figure in Indian cricket, recalled his early struggles to catch Dhoni’s eye. At the launch event of his new book ‘I Have the Streets – A Kutti Cricket Story’, Ashwin disclosed that it wasn’t until 2009 that he finally grabbed Dhoni’s attention.
“MS Dhoni didn’t even know someone like me existed in 2008. So, I made it my life goal, from 2009, to get the wicket of MS Dhoni,” Ashwin said, as quoted by NDTV.
“I bowled an unbelievable spell in the Challenger Trophy in Nagpur. MS struggled throughout the spell. Once, when he tried to play, the ball went through the gates. I got him out in the final. “From then on, MS Dhoni saw me as someone with skill, and the relationship matured,” he said.
Shortly after joining CSK in 2009, Ravichandran Ashwin played a pivotal role in their maiden IPL title win in 2010. He continued to be instrumental as the team secured their second title in 2011.
“If MS decides a horse is not ready to race, he won’t use you. He needs to know you’re a horse. But once he knows you’re a horse, he will look past you only when you feel like giving up. That is MS Dhoni. He believes in you,” said Ashwin as he pointed out a very interesting anecdote about Dhoni.
Reports suggest Ravichandran Ashwin might make a comeback to CSK for IPL 2025.
Rumors are circulating that Ravichandran Ashwin has joined India Cements and is poised to take charge of the Chennai Super Kings High-Performance Centre. Speculation is rife about his potential return to CSK during the upcoming mega auction ahead of IPL 2024.
In the previous IPL season, CSK endured a disappointing campaign, finishing fifth on the points table with seven wins and seven losses. Ruturaj Gaikwad was appointed as the new captain just a day before their opening match against RCB. Despite the team’s overall struggle, fans continued to warmly embrace MS Dhoni every time he came out to bat. Dhoni scored 161 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 53.67 and a striking strike rate of 220.
Amidst expectations of his retirement after IPL 2024, Dhoni, who underwent knee surgery after IPL 2023, has yet to announce his decision. Reports suggest the franchise is eagerly awaiting his verdict regarding his future in the IPL.
