Mukund Remembers Ashwin's Unyielding Curiosity and Insight

New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Former Indian batsman Abhinav Mukund offered a heartfelt homage to the recently-retired Ravichandran Ashwin, emphasizing that the off-spinner was always a cerebral cricketer whose mind was perpetually in overdrive, making it impossible to keep him quiet.

Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket shortly after the conclusion of India's third Test against Australia at the Gabba, which ended in a stalemate. Over a 14-year international career, Ashwin amassed an impressive 537 wickets with an average of 24 across 106 Tests, securing his position as India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind the legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble.

He achieved an astounding 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, the second-highest in cricket history, along with eight ten-wicket hauls. Additionally, Ashwin registered six Test centuries and 14 fifties in the longest format of the game.

His final international appearance was the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, where he recorded figures of 1-53 in his 18 overs and scored 29 runs, as India lost the match by ten wickets. “His brain was in overdrive throughout. You could never keep him quiet,” Mukund reflected.

“During long bus journeys for the Ranji Trophy, he always sat at the back. He would gather a group and engage them in a quirky game called Mafia - a simple deduction game where he took on the role of moderator, observing the unfolding drama.”

“I also recall our early days in club cricket, sitting in the dressing room with him while he brought along a pen and paper for mock auction picks and drafts for every IPL team, strategizing how the teams would balance out. His restless intellect means he never fails to astonish you whenever you converse with him,” Mukund noted in a column for ESPNCricinfo.

Ashwin also participated in 116 ODIs for India, claiming 156 wickets, contributing to the triumphs in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He played 65 T20I matches, taking 72 wickets. Mukund, who played seven Tests for India, reminisced about a moment during India’s Test against Bangladesh in Chennai in September, which hinted at Ashwin's impending retirement.

“I met him post-Test, where he scored his fastest Test century with his family watching. I ordered coffee while his wife chose coconut water for him. I joked, saying, 'Do you need the electrolytes, old man?' He just smirked and then turned his attention back to his daughters.”

“They mentioned that their favorite part was how their dad looked up to them during his century celebration. You could sense that meant more to Ashwin than the hundred itself - that family time held greater significance than his on-field accomplishments, which is why I believe he had been contemplating retirement for months, and it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

“Reaching the top isn't straightforward, but I understand his journey has been more challenging than most, both physically and mentally. The countless long days spent alone in hotel rooms with his thoughts likely influenced his decision to retire.”

Ashwin was among the 11 allrounders to achieve the remarkable feat of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Tests. He also holds a record of 11 Player-of-the-Series awards, tied with Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan. He is set to play for the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

Reflecting on the legacy Ashwin leaves behind as a distinguished cricketer for India, Mukund remarked, “He wasn't naturally gifted like an Usain Bolt or a Michael Phelps. He was merely a middle-class boy who had the potential to become a doctor, accountant, or the engineer he ultimately became.”

“He had no business becoming an elite athlete and one of the best at that. It required him to take the path less traveled, utilizing every advantage available, and constantly innovating and adapting. I once mentioned during commentary: R Ashwin is like your latest smartphone; his software is perpetually updated.”

“Ashwin stands as a beacon for millions of middle-class boys and girls in this country who may not be exceptionally gifted physically or technically, encouraging them to maximize their potential through hard work and intelligence; to chase their dreams and attain greatness.”