Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently reflected on the early days of his cricket career, underscoring their significance as a valuable learning phase. Ashwin’s initial years in the Indian cricket team coincided with the prominence of off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. Despite limited opportunities in playing XI during this period, Ashwin traveled with the team as a squad member.

Ashwin’s journey began with his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in June 2010, followed by a months-long wait for his second match, which came in October during an ODI series against Australia. He shared that during these formative years, he assumed the role of a waterboy, a role that proved to be a significant learning experience.

“In my formative years in 2009 when I joined the squad, I used to be a waterboy in the initial years. I didn’t get many chances in the playing XI, but I had been in the squad. Those years are really important for learning as a player,” Ravichandran Ashwin revealed on his YouTube channel.

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It was post the 2011 World Cup that Ashwin solidified his place in India’s playing XI, marking a transition period for the team after their World Cup victory. Ashwin also applauded the recent performance of Ishan Kishan during the ODI series against West Indies. Kishan consistently scored half-centuries in all three matches and was named the Player of the Series.

“Ishan Kishan played outstandingly throughout the entire series. Actually, that’s a big positive. Whenever Ishan Kishan has gotten opportunities in the white ball format, he has used them really well. Even in the last Test match when he got an opportunity to bat higher up the order, he scored a quickfire half-century,” Ravichandran Ashwin noted.

Ashwin further spoke about Kishan’s jovial demeanor and his ability to create a lively atmosphere in the dressing room.

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“He is an outstanding guy. He is a jolly person, and he will always be ready for anything. For example, if any player is playing, he will first take the gloves of those players and be ready. He will arrange their bats if they require a change at any point. He will make all the players feel comfortable around him. He will entertain all the players in the dressing room. He doesn’t have one negative energy in his body. He is the embodiment of positivity. It feels really good to see him do well whenever he gets an opportunity,” Ravichandran Ashwin expressed.