NEW DELHI
Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a sentimental trip down memory lane, creditng late mentor VB Chandrasekhar for launching his iconic career. In a heartfelt interview, Ashwin revealed how a dominant performance in Chennai’s local league paved the way for his journey with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
During the early days of T20 cricket, many believed finger spinners were obsolete. However, after Ashwin took six wickets in a local final, he caught the eye of selectors. Despite CSK already having Muttiah Muralitharan, Chandrasekhar saw Ashwin’s potential. “He told me I could go far because of my attitude,” Ashwin recalled, noting that Chandrasekhar gave him his first professional contract.
Ashwin became a cornerstone of CSK’s early dominance, helping them win back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. He praised the franchise’s “heroic” domestic players like Murali Vijay and Shadab Jakati, who often flew under the radar. He also credited CSK’s off-field management for creating a stress-free environment, handling everything from travel to family logistics so players could focus solely on cricket.
After traveling through various teams like Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin returned to CSK in 2025 for a final homecoming. While he wished his last IPL match had been at his beloved Chepauk stadium, he remains deeply grateful. Reflecting on his career, he noted that finishing where he started was a dream come true, cementing his legacy as one of Chennai’s favorite sons.
