Contrary to belief, the rocketing career graph of R. Ashwin was not a one night climb. He had to endure a lot in domestic cricket before advancing to the next stage.
Sitting out of the playing XI for Chennai Super Kings in the first two seasons was not easy either. The 0ff-spinner held well to script CSK’s grand double in 2010. Success has not changed the 24-year-old one bit. Here are details that unravel the varied interests of the youngster.
EXCERPTS
Earliest sporting memory: Playing tennis at PSBB
Other sports played: TT, tennis and ball badminton
Few words on your school life: I discovered the prankster in myself and made a few wonderful friends.
Your first experience holding cricket bat? I think when I was eight. The one I owned was at nine, a birthday gift from my parents.
Your wish list (five): To be a member of a World Cup winning Indian squad. To be a genuine all-rounder. Excel in business after retirement. To own a Ferrari. To meet the girl of my dreams soon.
What would you have done without cricket? Would have played some other sport at a professional level.
Most memorable sporting moment? Player of the tournament at the Champions League.
Worst sporting moment: Losing to Delhi in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals in 2009-10.
Sporting heroes: Andre Agassi, Anil Kumble and Saina Nehwal.
Favourite venue: Chepauk MAC Stadium.
Sporting event you would pay the most to see: Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal
Questions most asked by the public and the press: How do u bowl the carrom ball?
Sporting motto: To enjoy what it gives to life
Who would you most like to invite to dinner — and why? My first school crush (name withheld on request). We promised each other one when I was 12.
Biggest regret: Nothing.
The best match you ever saw: India vs Pakistan Test match at Chennai, 1999.
The person you learnt most from: My mother, Chitra.
The sports personality you admire most: Agassi.
Favourite holiday spot: Leh, Ladak.
How will you like to be remembered? As someone who kept punching above his weight.
Other interests in your life: Spending time with friends, going around Chennai, Facebook.
Your one piece of advice to youngsters: Play cricket only if you like let no one force you to take it up as a career.
Pet name: Ash.
Your biggest extravaganza: All my gadgets.
What do you never leave home without? Car keys, wallet, mobile phone.
The craziest thing you have ever done: Rubbed oil all over the blackboard when I was in class eight.
Your best trait: I am friendly.
And your worst: Sometimes, I don’t know when and where to stop talking.
One bad habit you wish you could get rid of: I have to be a bit reserved at times.
What’s your worst nightmare? Falling from a mountain.
Favourite actor? Aamir Khan.
Favourite actress? Trisha.
Your superstition? None.
Funniest fan letter/proposal? Can’t reveal details but it was through Facebook.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? To have done well for my country, state and IPL team.