Ravichandran Ashwin, a revered figure in contemporary cricket, has left an indelible mark with his exceptional performances. His prowess as a spinner has often posed a daunting challenge to batting lineups worldwide, particularly in the realm of red-ball cricket. Nevertheless, Ashwin’s illustrious career took a tumultuous turn when a nagging injury prompted him to contemplate his future. In a candid revelation, Ashwin disclosed how he confided in his wife, Prithi, that the home series against Australia could potentially mark the conclusion of his cricketing journey.
During a chat with Indian Express, R Ashwin said, “I’m very proud of what I’ve done in my life not just because of wickets or runs. But how consistently I have been to able to reinvent myself. One thing that really plagues cricketers or anybody as they grow old is insecurity. For me, it’s how cricketers get locked when they get older and when they get experienced; you want to hold on to something so tight, that you eventually end up breaking your own neck.”
Reflecting on the knee problem he encountered, Ashwin recounted a period when he questioned the continuation of his career. Following his return from the Bangladesh Test series, he conveyed to his wife the possibility that the impending series against Australia might serve as his swan song. The spinner had been grappling with knee issues aggravated by the momentum generated during his deliveries, causing discomfort upon landing.
As the pain intensified during the second Test in Bangladesh, R Ashwin found himself at a crossroads. The decision to alter his bowling action seemed absurd and illogical, considering the success he had achieved over the past few years. However, he resolved to address the strain on his knee by reverting to the bowling technique he had employed during the 2013-14 period.
Determined to find relief, Ashwin sought medical assistance in Bangalore, receiving an injection to alleviate his knee troubles. He embarked on a three to four-day practice session in Nagpur, entering the subsequent Test match without any prior match experience with his modified action. Initially, he admitted feeling somewhat alien on the field, but his self-awareness and adaptability allowed him to persevere.
The outcome surpassed Ashwin’s expectations, as he was honored with the Player of the Series award, making it one of the most remarkable performances in recent years. At the age of 36, he looked back with immense pride, recognizing the tremendous challenge he had embraced. By risking his career through an audacious adjustment to his bowling action, Ashwin triumphed over the fear of failure that often engulfs individuals.
Elaborating the same, as per the quotes in NDTV, R Ashwin said, “I think that is probably one of the best series I have had and the best bowling performance for me in a series in the last four-five years. I have done a lot of good stuff in the last five years, but still, it felt like that. Looking back, I feel so proud of having done that at 36. If I can change my action and put my career at stake, I don’t think there can be a greater challenge in life. A lot of people tend to get insecure. It is very easy for me to play another four tests with the same action, maybe pick up 15, or 16 wickets, and not feel good about myself.”
