Ashwin recalls the moment R Ashwin pissed him off Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed a fascinating story from the early days of his career, recalling how his over-the-top celebration after dismissing MS Dhoni in the Challenger Trophy once visibly angered the former India captain.In an interview on JioStar’s The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience, the recently retired off-spinner reflected on his struggle for opportunities during his early years with Chennai Super Kings and explained how taking Dhoni’s wicket felt like a breakthrough moment.Ashwin admitted that it was extremely difficult to break into the CSK playing XI during the early years of the IPL due to the presence of legendary bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan.“Muralitharan was in the team, a legend, he played his full quota, so I didn’t get a chance. I didn’t play in 2008, but in 2009 I got my first game in Cape Town against Mumbai Indians and Sachin Tendulkar. Even between 2009 and 2010, I still didn’t get many opportunities,” Ashwin said.
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Is everything wrong with Suryakumar Yadav’s wrist? | Exclusive visualsThe turning point, according to Ashwin, came during the Challenger Trophy when he managed to dismiss Dhoni twice. One dismissal in particular remains memorable for him and apparently for Dhoni as well.“Dhoni got two runs against our team. Once he shot to deep cover and I was diving. I celebrated it so much that it actually pissed him off,” Ashwin recalled with a smile.The former Indian spinner then shared the entertaining exchange that followed.“He said to himself, ‘What is there to celebrate so much?’ I told him, ‘Getting your wicket was my dream. Maybe it will open doors for me at CSK.” Next year I got a chance.”
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Ashwin eventually became one of CSK’s most important bowlers and played a key role in the franchise’s golden era under Dhoni. Reflecting on the secret behind CSK’s dominance between 2010 and 2015, Ashwin credited the franchise’s balanced squad and the contribution of underrated domestic players.“Chennai was one of those early teams with not only good batsmen but also many quality bowlers. Along with that came a few homegrown players like myself, Murali Vijay, Badrinath and Shadab Jakati who may not be known to many but played a heroic role for CSK,” he said.Ashwin retired from international cricket in December 2024 after one of the most decorated careers for an Indian spinner.
