Ashwin's Father Ravichandran Reveals Indian Cricketer's Mother First Suggested He Bowl Spin

Ravichandran, Ashwin’s father, revealed that it was his wife and the Indian cricketer’s mother Chitra, who first suggested that the newest entrant to the 500-test-wicket-club should bowl spin.

Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley in the first innings of the third Test of the five-match series against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, now known as Niranjan Shah Stadium, in Rajkot, to become the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble (619) to complete the landmark in his 98th game.

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“The biggest turning point in Ashwin’s career was when he switched to bowling off-spin. And I must thank my wife Chitra for that decision. Those days Ashwin had wheezing and he also had an issue with his knee. So to do all the running (he started off as a medium pacer) was proving to be a challenge. It was Chitra who said, ‘why should you run so much. Just take a few steps and bowl spin’,” Ravichandran, Ashwin’s father, wrote for The Indian Experss.

Ashwin also became only the third off-spinner to achieve the feat and becomes just the fifth bowler, following Anil Kumble, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Muttiah Muralidaran, to reach 350 home wickets with three more wickets.

“Speaking to him, I don’t get the feeling that 500 wickets meant the world to him. Of course, it is a huge milestone, but it isn’t everything. It is an achievement yes, but it is not a number that overly excites him,” Ravichandran wrote.

But at the press conference after the close of play on the second day, Ashwin credited his father after his 500th Test scalp.

“I would like to dedicate this to my father, he’s responsible for everything I’ve done in my life. He’s lived it through and had heart attacks every time I’ve played. I think his health has gone for a toss because he’s watched games of mine on TV and been a constant support for me,” said Ashwin after the end of the day’s play. “I’m sure he will be very happy today. But yeah, 500 wickets done and dusted now, and we’ve got a game hanging in the balance.”

It was later announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) via a statement that Ashwin has immediately withdrawn from the ongoing third Test against England in Rajkot due to a family medical emergency.

(With inputs from Agencies)