Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned India off-spinner, recently revealed he once thought his career was nearing its end. The 36-year-old feared that his nagging knee injury would force him to bow out after the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He confided this to his wife, Prithi Narayanan, expressing his concerns about his future in the sport.
Ashwin, during an interview with The Indian Express, stated that he took great pride in his cricketing journey. It wasn’t just about the wickets or runs for him. Instead, he cherished his ability to consistently reinvent himself, keeping his game fresh and relevant.
However, Ashwin also acknowledged a significant challenge faced by cricketers as they age. Insecurity, he noted, often creeps in, leading to a certain rigidity in their approach. They cling so tightly to their playing style that it becomes counterproductive, metaphorically “breaking their own neck.”
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From Career Doubts to Triumphant Comeback: The Inspiring Journey of Ravichandran Ashwin
Upon returning from the Bangladesh tour, Ashwin recalled a conversation with his wife. He revealed to her that the upcoming Australia series might be his last. Persistent knee issues were hampering his performance and causing significant discomfort. He decided to change his bowling action to alleviate the pressure on his knee.
Ashwin admitted that his knee was buckling due to the momentum of his action. He wasn’t happy with the way the ball was behaving either. His earlier workload had been reduced due to the T20 World Cup, affecting his overall performance.
By the second Test in Bangladesh, Ashwin’s knee was causing him significant trouble. The discomfort escalated into pain and swelling, severely affecting his game. Yet, Ashwin had been delivering excellent performances over the past three or four years. Giving up bowling altogether seemed a ludicrous and unwise decision.
Consequently, he decided to make some adjustments to his action. The goal was to mitigate the knee discomfort without compromising his performance. Ashwin’s strategy worked, keeping his career on track.
In conclusion, Ravichandran Ashwin’s journey offers an insight into the challenges faced by athletes as they age. His struggle with injury and fear of career decline paints a human picture behind the successful cricketer. Yet, his ability to reinvent his game underlines his resilience. Ashwin’s story, thus, is a testament to his adaptability, underscoring why he is a legend of the sport.
