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'Indebted To Him' - Ashwin Recalls Dhoni's CSK Move That Changed His Life

Ashwin could play alongside Muralitharan after Dhoni's shift in plans [X.com]Ashwin could play alongside Muralitharan after Dhoni's shift in plans [X.com]

Ravichandran Ashwin remains indebted to his former India and IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni as he recalled a tactical shift in the Super Kings' plans that transformed his life and fortunes into becoming a modern-day legend. 

Ashwin recalled the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 where, even though he was roped in as the local spinner, the ambitious cricketer couldn't get a single chance in the playing XI since CSK already had off-spin great Muttiah Muralitharan. 

However, Dhoni's tactical nous and the quest to find a spinner with strong new-ball capabilities allowed the Tamil Nadu off-spinner to sneak into a dominant outfit and carve out an important spot for himself. Ashwin welcomed the opportunity with both hands and gradually became an integral part of CSK's journey. 


Ashwin Indebted To Dhoni For CSK Tactical Shift 

As Muralitharan retired, Ashwin put his hand up to be their match-winner with the new and the old ball and used the IPL as a platform and springboard from where he jumped into the reckoning at the international stage. The rest is history. 

Being facilitated by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) for reaching his 100th Test and also recording 500 scalps in the format in the presence of his idol and fellow spin great Anil Kumble, Ashwin deemed it fit as an occasion to recall how one tactical move from Dhoni and CSK gave him an opening and has brought him this far. 

"I don't generally search for words to express how I feel. I am truly humbled and grateful to be here," Ashwin was quoted as saying by Times of India. "In 2008 I met all the greats (in CSK dressing room) Mathew Hayden and MS Dhoni. I sat through (IPL) 2008. I was a nobody then, where am I to play in a team that had Muttiah Muralitharan."


"I am indebted to Dhoni for the rest of my life for what he gave me. He gave me an opportunity with the new ball to go head on with Chris Gayle and 17 years later Anil bhai would be talking about the same episode," he added. 

Ashwin managed to reach his 500th wicket in his 99th Test for India and backed it up with a bagful of scalps over the next three innings to end the England series with a stunning 516 wickets in 100 Tests. He will next be seen in action via the IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals (RR).