The Indian cricket team and the imminent talent in the niche have been categorically improving, and one name that deserves a shoutout is Ravichandran Ashwin. He is known for his extraordinary performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played for Delhi Capitals.
He is a right-handed batsman and bowler who initially played for the Tamil Nadu state team and has risen to prominence in Indian cricket. Not just the one-day cricket matches, Ashwin is also known for his role in test cricket matches, where he is regarded as the fastest Indian cricketer to acquire the 50, 100, 150, 200, etc. wickets.
If you are an avid fan of Ravichandran Ashwin and are curious to learn more about his cricketing journey and career growth, you have come to the right place.
Early Life and Background
Ravichandran Ashwin was born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into a well-settled, middle-class family. His passion for cricket stems from his father, Mr. Ravichandran, being an avid cricket nerd. He played as a club-level fast bowler in his time. His mother, Mrs. Chithra, was a housewife and prioritized caring for the children and their upbringing at home.
With an ingrained passion for cricket, Ashwin started playing cricket locally. By the age of nine, He played cricket for the YMCA, where he was coached by Chandrasekhar Rao. This contributed to Ashwin’s future path in the Indian cricket scene.
Although Ashwin initially played as an all-rounder, he didn’t succeed as a batsman. This is when he decided to switch gears and excelled in his bowling skills. Initially, he did medium-paced bowling to test things out, but later agreed that his off-spins were characteristic of him.
Despite excelling in his cricketing endeavors, Ashwin’s parents were adamant about him focusing on his academics: Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan and St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School. After finishing high school, he enrolled in SSN College of Engineering, Chennai, and acquired a B.Tech in Information Technology.
Career Growth
Ravichandran Ashwin’s career has been a journey of spin, wickets, and some handy runs. He is one of those players whose growth in the cricket career has been nothing short of extensive yet quick. Nothing about his career growth has been gradual, and instead, things have graced his way quite proactively.
Here’s a breakdown of Ashwin’s cricketing career:
Test Cricket
Regarding test cricket matches involving the Indian Cricket Team, Ravichandran Ashwin is a name to be reckoned with. According to the reports, Ashwin is the second-highest wicket taken in Indian cricket history to date. He has taken over 500 wickets for the Indian cricket team, which is impressive.
With his test debut, Ashwin came to gain prominence in the cricketing world for his unique “carrom ball” throw, which is one of the main factors that has helped him acquire so many wickets.
But Ashwin has proven himself to be an all-rounder in the test cricket scene. Not only is he known for his quick spins and swings, but the cricketer also has five test centuries to his name. He is one of the few Indian cricketers to have a record of 3000 runs and 500+ wickets in test matches.
ODI and T20
Ashwin’s career growth isn’t only highlighted by his time playing test cricket. He excels in ODI and T20 equally well.
In his ODI career, Ashwin has a record of acquiring 150+ wickets. The numbers are starkly different because he isn’t an active member of the Indian cricket team’s ODI squad. As for his T20 career, Ashwin initially took some gap from the tournament but later returned in 2021 and entered two consecutive World Cup tournaments.
IPL Journey
Ashwin’s traipse through multiple teams in the IPL is again a testament to his incredible talent on the field. He previously played for Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals and is currently acquired by Rajasthan Royals. He played the last IPL with the team.
Surprisingly, Ashwin retired from a game in the IPL 2022 tournament, making him the first player to do so in the IPL’s history.
Despite all the highs and lows in his cricketing career and journey, there’s a reason why Ravichandran Ashwin is termed as the “Second-Highest Ranked Bowler” in the ICC Test rankings.
Personal Life and Marriage
Ravichandran Ashwin has been married to his long-term girlfriend, Prithi Narayana. Although the two like to keep their relationship and marriage under wraps, little public information is available regarding their relationship.
Prithi mentioned in multiple interviews that the two of them had known each other since they were young. They got along well, and reportedly, Ashwin even had a fat crush on her from the early days. Eventually, Ashwin proposed, and the two started dating, which quickly turned into them getting engaged.
Finally, on November 13, 2011, Ashwin and Prithi tied the knot among all their family members, friends, and relatives. As of now, the couple are proud parents to two daughters, Akhira and Aadhya. Despite their unstable schedule, the family is quite stable and happy and keeps to themselves.
Net Worth
It is impossible to determine Ravichandran Ashwin’s exact net worth. However, estimates suggest that he has a net worth of Rs. 120 crore, which is primarily derived from his IPL earnings and salary as a prominent Indian cricketer under BCCI contracts.
His current contract with Rajasthan Royals was for Rs. 5 crore, which also contributed significantly to his net worth. Besides being a prominent cricketing star, Ashwin’s international fame has also helped him land a collaboration with brands, wherein he endorses brands and products, further catapulting his net worth significantly.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin is an imminent personality in the Indian cricket scene and has grown exponentially throughout his time in the sport. With his unique bowling style and being one of the leading cricketers with maximum wickets, Ashwin’s career is one to be reckoned with.
FAQs
At what age did Ashwin start playing cricket?
Ravichandran Ashwin’s cricket journey started at 9 when he played for YMCA. Chandrasekhar Rao coached him during that period.
How many centuries does Ravichandran Ashwin have?
According to reports, Ashwin has five centuries to his name.
Can Ashwin take 500 wickets?
Ashwin is the ninth International cricketer and the second Indian cricketer (after Kapil Dev) to have a record of 500+ wickets.
