Ravichandran Ashwin, like MS Dhoni, announced his retirement during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, mirroring Dhoni’s Test retirement in the 2014-15 series. Ashwin, who rose to prominence under Dhoni’s guidance at Chennai Super Kings, credits the skipper for shaping his career.
After leaving CSK in 2015, Ashwin is set to return to the franchise in the upcoming IPL, rekindling the nostalgic partnership with Dhoni. Over the years, Dhoni has frequently praised Ashwin’s contributions. Here are five such instances.
Here Are The 5 Occasions When MS Dhoni Showered Praise On Ravichandran Ashwin:
#1 When Dhoni referred to Ashwin as a valuable asset for India
Following Ashwin’s remarkable performance with the ball in 2015, MS Dhoni, the Indian captain at the time, lavished praise on the off-spinner. Ashwin finished as India’s top wicket-taker in Tests that year, with 62 wickets, and also topped the Test bowler rankings.
“Ashwin is a very different bowler. He thinks always while he is bowling. He is very positive on the field. I have always told him to focus on his bowling and not anything else. He has been an asset for Indian team for long.”
“I rely on him always be it in the start or at the death overs. Ashwin makes my work easy when fast bowlers are not performing well,” Dhoni said during a press conference before leaving for Australia for a tour.
#2 When Dhoni praised Ashwin for thriving even in batting-friendly conditions
MS Dhoni’s strong bond with Ravichandran Ashwin has been well-known since their time at CSK. Dhoni often trusted Ashwin with the ball in tough situations, and the off-spinner rarely let him down.
In 2012, after a 2-0 Test series win over New Zealand, Dhoni acknowledged Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha for their key roles in the victory, even though the conditions weren’t ideal for spinners.
Dhoni praised Ashwin’s brilliant bowling, noting that while the pitch offered some support, it was overall favorable for batting. Dhoni praised Ashwin’s consistency, wicket-taking ability, and effective partnership with the other spinner.
#3 When Dhoni acknowledged Ashwin for being a thoughtful cricketer
Over the years, Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance has dipped, particularly in overseas conditions. While he has excelled in the subcontinent and West Indies, he hasn’t been as impactful in SENA countries regarding wicket-taking. In 2014 and 2015, Ashwin faced criticism for experimenting too much in Test cricket, which many believed contributed to his decline.
However, he responded by coming back strong in every series after that. During this time, Dhoni praised Ashwin for always thinking strategically about the game.
“Ashwin is a smart cricketer. Despite facing criticism for experimenting, he’s bounced back and is an asset. I’ve used him in different roles, and he makes my job easier when the fast bowlers don’t perform,” Dhoni said.
#4 When Dhoni commended Ashwin for his outstanding spell in the 2015 ODI World Cup
MS Dhoni is known for showing faith in players on the field and encouraging them in interviews, but he rarely offers excessive public praise. Although he has shown great trust in Ashwin over the years, Dhoni has only praised the off-spinner a few times in public.
MS Dhoni is known for showing faith in players on the field and encouraging them in interviews, but he rarely offers excessive public praise. Although he has shown great trust in Ashwin over the years, Dhoni has only praised the off-spinner a few times in public.
“I think Ash bowled really well. It’s important to change your bowling to some extent according to wicket. You have to find the right length and right trajectory to bowl, and I felt Ash did that really well,” Dhoni said at the post-match conference.
#5 “He’s someone I always enjoy having”- MS Dhoni
During the 2015 World Cup, Dhoni praised the right-arm off-spinner for his excellent spell against Ireland, highlighting not just his performance but also Dhoni’s confidence in Ashwin, reflecting how much he trusted him as a captain. Dhoni praised Ashwin for his excellent bowling, saying he always trusted him, especially in tough situations and powerplays.
He noted Ashwin’s growing confidence, deep understanding of his bowling, and continuous improvement, particularly after foreign tours. Dhoni emphasized how Ashwin adapts and improves with each challenge, making it great to have him in the team.
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