"My Wife Didn't Know What She Was Getting Into": R Ashwin's Emotional Tribute On 100th Test

07.03.2024 - 06:51 sports.ndtv.com

“Test cricket is the closest synergy that you can find to life.” Ravichandran Ashwin's voice trembled with emotion and pride during the gratitude-speech after receiving his special 100th Test cap from India head coach Rahul Dravid here on Thursday.

But Ashwin did not restrict that landmark moment, which came during the fifth and final Test against England, to himself but he championed the cause of Test cricket amidst money-spinning T20 leagues. “IPL has been a hugely popular tournament; a lot of kids want to play T20 and get into the IPL.

I really do wish that they get there. But remember one thing, this format (Test)… it 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, dealing with pressures.” The 37-year-old Ashwin, who made his Test debut in 2011, also paid handsome tribute to his father -- Ravichandran -- for believing in him and supporting his journey. “It's quite an emotional moment.

cricket India Cricket Team England Cricket Team India vs England 2024 on Rahul Dravid Ravichandran Ashwin India

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson honoured legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for bagging 500 Test wickets ahead of the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the five-match Test series against England, Ashwin added another gem to his crown as he became only the second Indian after Anil Kumble to reach the landmark of 500 wickets in Tests.

"Arey Bhai Insaan hai": Rohit Sharma Hits Out At Critics Of India's 100 Test Veteran R Ashwin

For Rohit Sharma, the India vs England Test series has been a big learning curve. Missing top stars due to injury and other reasons, Rohit Sharma marshalled a group of debutants to defeat a strong England side. He had by his side experienced campaigners like R Ashwin too, who had a special series. The veteran off-spinner was the top wicket-taker in the series with 26 scalps in 10 innings. He had to deal with tough times on the personal front as his mother suffered a health emergency.

"Didn't Allow Challenges To Check His Progress": Anil Kumble On Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin's entry into the 500-wicket club has delighted the legendary Anil Kumble who said the off-spinner's immense success over the last decade stems from his desire to learn and ability to rise above constant challenges. At 516 wickets currently, Ashwin is the second highest wicket-taker in Tests for India behind Kumble (619), and the former India leg-spinner wasn't one bit surprised.

Ravichandran Ashwin Replaces Jasprit Bumrah At Top Of ICC Test Rankings

A nine-wicket haul in his 100th Test match helped Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin re-claim the top spot in the bowlers' list, while his captain Rohit Sharma was back in the top-10 at sixth in the batting charts of the latest ICC rankings on Wednesday. Ashwin was at his best throughout the Dharamsala contest against England as the experienced right-armer picked up four wickets in the first innings and then a 36th five-wicket haul in the second innings as India cruised to a dominant triumph in the fifth and final Test of their series.

"Mom Collapsed, Doctor Said Not In Position To...": R Ashwin Reveals How Trauma Struck During Rajkot Test

The third India vs England Test in Rajkot was a special one for Ravichandran Ashwin. On the second day of the Test match, Ashwin dismissed England's Zak Crawley to pocket his 500th Test scalp. Before him, only Anil Kumble reached the milestone among Indians. He became the ninth bowler worldwide to take 500 wickets. However, hours after the feat, Ashwin went through a traumatic experience for which he had to leave the squad on an immediate basis. "Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin," said BCCI in its release. Reports said Ashwin's mother Chitra had suffered a medical emergency.

"I Was Just Gobsmacked": Ravichandran Ashwin On Rohit Sharma's Gesture During Mother's Illness

Ravichandran Ashwin had to leave the Indian cricket team squad midway through the third Test match in Rajkot after his mother collapsed after a headache and was hospitalised in Chennai. The incident happened just after Ashwin became the second India bowler ever to claim 500 wickets in Test cricket after Anil Kumble. In the latest video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin revealed what followed after he received the news of the hospitalisation and how skipper Rohit Sharma's gesture left him 'gobsmacked'. He even went on to call Rohit an "outstanding leader" for how he handled the situation.