Ravichandran Ashwin continues to defy age. At 38, he has just led India to victory over Bangladesh in the first Test with not only six wickets with the ball, but also a stunning hundred with the bat. In fact, he is the oldest member of the senior India team, but a seemingly irreplaceable cog in the wheel. Speaking on his YouTube channel after the match, Ashwin revealed a conversation with his wife that led to a realisation of how many years he has been thriving in international cricket, as well as a lighthearted moment he shared with India captain Rohit Sharma.
“We were watching some highlights the day before yesterday. My wife said something to me, 'Those off-spinners, aren't they going to mistreat you in their minds while bowling?' I wondered why and realised they were probably thinking 'when is he going to leave so we can take a break?',” Ashwin told his YouTube channel.
“Suddenly I didn't feel so well,” he said.
Ashwin explained that it dawned on him how many years he had been playing for India.
“I realised, yes, I am in that phase now. Even when we were young, we wondered what our place was in the team. Everyone does that. When I look at it now, it makes me realistic. It makes you realise that you have played for quite a few years,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin went on to have a chat with Rohit Sharma, during which he asked the Indian captain when his birthday is. Rohit is 37, a year younger than Ashwin and the second oldest player in the Indian squad.
“I saw a picture on the official channel. They had put a yearly break and it ended with number 38. I am alone in that club. Then suddenly I saw Rohit, he was walking past. I asked him 'when is your birthday?'. He said it is coming. I am waiting for his birthday. Then we will be the same age for a while,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin turned 38 on September 17 and Rohit's birthday is on April 30. India will play the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur on September 27.
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