Indian cricket stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin is set to achieve a significant milestone as he gears up to play his 100th Test match in Dharamsala. A journey spanning numerous ups and downs, Ashwin’s century of Test appearances is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Ashwin becomes the first player from his region to achieve this feat, adding a touch of regional pride to his accomplishment.

Reflecting on his journey, Ashwin acknowledges the unwavering support of his family, particularly during challenging times such as his mother’s health emergency during a Test match.

He said “When I got to the hospital, my mom was slipping in and out of consciousness, and the next time she was conscious, she said, ‘I think you should go back because the Test match is happening.”

 His family’s steadfast encouragement and sacrifices have played a pivotal role in shaping his cricketing career.

Ashwin shares his thoughts in a recent interview

In a recent interview with ESPN, he said, “Some things are meant to be. We shouldn’t say that I did this and it happened. You can only do so much. There is definitely something more that you need. You need somebody to nick the right ball to slip.”

He also shared, “You can play T20, you can play ODIs, but there is nothing close to playing a Test match for your country. If you have won a hard-fought Test match, I don’t think there is any better feeling. You can actually be high on a Test match – that’s how good it is.”

Known for his strategic prowess on the field, Ashwin reveals his mindset of turning pressure into performance, aiming to put five times as much pressure on the opposition when under the pump himself. This approach has been a cornerstone of his success throughout his illustrious career.

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“…playing a hundred matches…” What does it mean to Ashwin? 

Ashwin is very proud of himself, not because he is playing a hundred matches, which anyone is not able to do, but because it is different. He said, “ There have been several times that I have thought whether 100 Tests means anything at all. Zak [Zaheer Khan] didn’t play a hundred. MS [Dhoni] didn’t. Adam Gilchrist didn’t. It’s just another number.

But the one thing that has really motivated me is the fact that I am the first from my part of the country to play a hundred Tests. In Tamil Nadu, we love the game. We talk about it a lot, we play the game a lot, we completely enjoy it. There is a great system, there is some phenomenal talent, but as cricketers we don’t understand and embrace what happens in the rest of the country.

As he embarks on this landmark Test match, Ashwin remains focused on contributing to the team’s success with his exceptional skills as a spinner. With an impressive tally of wickets under his belt and a reputation for rising to the occasion, Ashwin’s presence on the field adds depth and experience to the Indian cricket team’s lineup.

“I had played three series before, two at home and one in Australia, and was Player of the Series in two. I found it interesting that I could be dropped, but you can’t go to a casino and have a fight with the dealer because he deals you bad cards. You need to be able to play with the cards he dealt you. The greatest lesson I’ve learned, and I have followed, is this: I play my hand, and I play the man,” he added. 

With his eyes set on future challenges, Ashwin’s journey continues to inspire aspiring cricketers from his region and beyond, showcasing the power of perseverance and passion in the pursuit of excellence. 

Ashwin said, “I mean, I’ve been lucky and blessed to have Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara at slip and leg slip. I had Virat Kohli at short midwicket, Pujara at leg slip, Ajinkya at slip forever. That is impenetrable. If I have to thank someone beyond my family, it’s those three. Along with Rohit [Sharma] taking some catches at short leg. Rohit has filled in for Ajinkya at slip. And the wicketkeepers. I can’t remember Wirddhi Saha or MS dropping anything. Rishabh [Pant] came in and he improved drastically. Within one or two Tests, he started catching and stumping everything.”

As he prepares to step onto the field for his 100th Test, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing yet another chapter in the remarkable career of R. Ashwin.