Ravichandran Ashwin, known for his sharp wit and engaging personality, has always managed to captivate audiences both on and off the cricket field. Whether through media interviews or his popular YouTube channel, the legendary Indian cricketer has a knack for keeping his listeners entertained. However, Ashwin, nearing the end of his illustrious career, felt it was time to clear up some misconceptions about himself.
His memoir, I Have The Streets: A Kutty Cricket Story, released in July this year, became the perfect medium for him to reflect on his journey. Speaking about the book during a Sky Sports podcast with former England captain Michael Atherton, Ashwin explained his desire to let fans know the real person behind the cricketer, as he often feels misunderstood.
The “Serious Ashwin” Myth
One of the biggest myths Ashwin wanted to address was the perception that he is overly serious on the field, especially when compared to the energetic celebrations of teammates like Virat Kohli.
“I wanted people to see me for who I really am. Often, when I take a wicket, you see Virat Kohli jumping and celebrating exuberantly, and people assume I’m always the serious one. But that’s not true,” Ashwin said. “When I’m bowling in a critical moment, trying to win a Test match for India, my mind is fully focused on the process. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the game.”
With 37 five-wicket hauls and 11 Player of the Series awards in Test cricket—both records for an Indian cricketer—Ashwin has achieved monumental success. Despite this, his celebrations have remained understated.
“You won’t see me scoring a milestone and then blowing kisses to my wife in the stands or hospitality box,” he added. “A lot of who I am has gotten lost in the image of what I’ve become. That’s something I wanted to address in my book.”
“I Am the MVP of My Journey”
Ashwin, India’s second-highest wicket-taker across formats with 765 wickets, emphasized the importance of recognizing every player’s contribution to the team. While legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma have dominated discussions around Indian cricket, Ashwin believes it’s crucial to acknowledge the collective effort of all players.
“A lot of people, when they talk about Indian cricket, focus on the big names—whether it’s Sachin, Virat, or Rohit. While they’re incredible cricketers, it’s wrong to view others as mere support cast members. Cricket is a team sport, and every player’s journey is unique,” Ashwin said.
In his own life story, Ashwin sees himself as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). “For my parents, I am the MVP. It’s not Virat, Rohit, or anyone else. Similarly, every player’s journey is their own, and they are the MVP of their story. For me, I’ve always been the MVP of my cricket.”
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Ashwin’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the mindset of one of India’s finest cricketers. As he transitions into a new phase of his life after international cricket, his words serve as a reminder of the individuality and hard work that define every player’s journey.
