Srikkanth Decodes Gayle-Ashwin Rivalry (Source: @RCBTweets/x.com, @StanMSD/x.com)
In the cricket world, fans are known about Chris Gayle’s undisputed legacy. In this glorious cricketing career, the ‘Universe Boss’ thrashed the opponent bowlers with his power-hittings. A six-hitter like him still looks unreal. He created some untouchable cricketing milestones with his cricketing brilliance.
But it seems like every strong person has his own weak point. For Chris Gayle, it was none other than Ravichandran Ashwin. At a recent book launch in Chennai, former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth revisited this gripping rivalry and how it all began.
Srikkanth Reveals How It All Started
Chris Gayle’s entry into the franchise came up as an injury replacement. After that, what he has done is known to everyone. His fierce rivalry with Ravichandran Ashwin was sparked when the spinner dismissed the ‘Universe Boss’ in the very first over of their clash in 2011.
Even the spinner is holding an impressive record against the batter as Ashwin dismissed Gayle five times. Years later, Krishnamachari Srikkanth revisited that unforgettable showdown, shedding new light on the epic battle.
“Chris Gayle could hit anyone for sixes and fours but all it took for Ashwin to dismiss him was four balls. When Ashwin got the ball in his hand, Gayle’s legs started shaking," Srikkanth said.
How Dhoni Influences Ashwin’s Career?
In 2009, Ravichandran Ashwin made his IPL debut donning Chennai Super Kings’ jersey. As the years passed on after that, the Indian spinner evolved as one of the spin icon of the cricket world. But how did it all begin? Krishnamachari Srikkanth revealed that it was none other than MS Dhoni who first spotted Ashwin’s potential, recognizing him as a future T20 legend.
“The man who identified him as a great T20 bowler was Dhoni. Ashwin has evolved from T20 to ODIs to Test in an amazing manner. He is not only a good bowler, but also a great batter,” he said.
After a decade, Ravichandran Ashwin is all set for his homecoming with CSK. CSK secured the star spinner for 9.75 crore in the mega auction, bringing him back to the franchise where his journey began. Now, fans are waiting to see some ‘Ashwin Magic’ on the Chepauk pitch.
 "Poulomi Chakraborty")
