As Ravichandran Ashwin gears up for his historic 100th Test appearance in the upcoming clash against England at Dharamsala, he took a moment to reflect on his journey and acknowledge some unsung heroes of India’s domestic cricket scene. In a press conference preceding the final Test, Ashwin expressed gratitude for the invaluable experience gained from bowling to some of the finest spin players in India’s first-class circuit over the years.

While Ashwin has relished the challenge of bowling to international stalwarts like Steven Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root, he emphasized the crucial role played by domestic legends in honing his skills. Among these unsung heroes, Ashwin singled out Subramaniam Badrinath, a stalwart of Tamil Nadu cricket during the 2000s, as one of the most formidable batters of spin he has encountered.

Badrinath’s contributions to Tamil Nadu cricket, including leading the team to three Ranji Trophy finals, underscore his stature as a domestic giant. Similarly, Ashwin lauded Mithun Manhas and Rajat Bhatia, two pillars of Delhi cricket renowned for their prowess against spin bowling. Manhas played a pivotal role in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy triumph in 2007-08, while Bhatia’s all-round abilities made him a formidable opponent on the domestic circuit.

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“Badrinath, I felt, was one of the finest batters of spin,” Ravichandran Ashwin praised the fellow Tamil Nadu great. Mithun Manhas, a key figure in Delhi’s championship run during the 2007-08 Ranji season, was lauded by Ashwin as one of the “finest players of spin.” Manhas’ significant contributions with the bat and ball made him a respected figure in the domestic circuit.

Despite their achievements flying under the radar compared to international stars, players like Badrinath, Manhas, and Bhatia have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Their mastery of spin bowling posed significant challenges even to a seasoned campaigner like Ashwin, highlighting the depth of talent in India’s domestic cricket.

“These are, I feel, still some of the greatest batters of spin that I would’ve completely not wanted to encounter in international cricket,” Ravichandran Ashwin remarked.

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As Ashwin prepares to reach the monumental milestone of 100 Test matches, he pays homage to these unsung heroes who have shaped his journey as a cricketer. Their influence, though often overlooked, has been instrumental in Ashwin’s evolution into one of India’s greatest spin bowlers.