Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his gratitude to MS Dhoni, the former captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for welcoming him back to the five-time IPL champion team. Ashwin recounted how Dhoni expertly utilized him with the new ball during his initial years in the Indian Premier League. Ashwin shared these memories at the launch of the book “Leo — The Untold Story of Chennai Super Kings,” authored by senior advocate and former vice-president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), PS Raman.
The book launch event on Sunday was graced by CSK icon MS Dhoni, along with Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey, key members of the coaching staff and former CSK stars. Kris Srikkanth, the former Indian batsman, also honored Ashwin at the event.
During his speech, Ashwin recalled that after playing a couple of matches in IPL 2009 in South Africa, Dhoni, then captain of CSK, communicated to him via Facebook about his plans to utilize him effectively in the upcoming season.
“I experienced a setback; Dhoni was injured, and my form dipped for a few games as well. Upon our return, I received my first opportunity to bowl with the new ball against Mumbai Indians (MI) facing Sachin Tendulkar. Dhoni handed me the new ball, simply shrugged, and walked away. He is not one for many words, but he asked if I could dismiss Kieron Pollard (while defending a score of 166 for CSK). As fate would have it, Pollard hit a delivery high into the air, resulting in a catch involving Thilan Thushara and Murali Vijay, one of the most unusual catches ever,” Ashwin reminisced.
Ashwin acknowledged the element of luck in his cricketing journey and in life generally. He also disclosed his wish for Dhoni to present him with a memento during his 100th Test match against England in Dharamsala last year, an occasion he intended to mark his Test retirement.
“MS couldn’t attend. However, he gave me an even greater gift by bringing me back to CSK. So, thank you, Dhoni,” he added.
Former Indian cricketer Srikkanth also praised Dhoni for recognizing Ashwin’s potential and developing him into a versatile bowler across all cricket formats. He celebrated Ashwin’s progression from a young Tamil Nadu cricketer to representing India in over 100 Tests and claiming more than 500 Test wickets.
“Dhoni is the one who identified him. Ashwin has remarkably evolved from T20s to ODIs to Test cricket. He is not only an excellent bowler but also a formidable batsman. Even Chris Gayle, known for his six-hitting prowess, would get nervous facing Ashwin,” Srikkanth commented.
Srikkanth welcomed Ashwin, referring to him as the ‘prodigal son,’ back to CSK in anticipation of the 2025 season.
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan also shared his memories of Ashwin, stating, “When we first met Ashwin, he was playing Ranji cricket for Tamil Nadu in the early 2000s (he debuted in first-class cricket in 2006). I was part of the TNCA administration then. We developed a strong bond of friendship during the 2009 IPL in South Africa.”
Chennai Super Kings, the five-time IPL champions, are set to commence their season against their main rivals, Mumbai Indians (MI), also five-time champions, at their home ground, Chepauk Stadium, on March 23.
