Ravichandran Ashwin has shared a fascinating anecdote from the early days of his career, recalling how his exuberant celebration after dismissing MS Dhoni in the Challenger Trophy once visibly annoyed the former India captain. Speaking on JioStar's The Ravichandran Ashwin Experience, the recently retired off-spinner reflected on his struggle for opportunities during his initial years with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and explained how taking Dhoni's wicket felt like a breakthrough moment.
Early Struggles in CSK
Ashwin admitted that during the early IPL years, breaking into the CSK playing XI was extremely difficult due to the presence of legendary bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan. "Muralitharan was in the team, a legend, bowling his full quota, so I wasn't getting chances. 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.
The Challenger Trophy Turning Point
The turning point, according to Ashwin, came during the Challenger Trophy when he managed to dismiss Dhoni twice. One dismissal in particular remains unforgettable for him and apparently for Dhoni too. "Dhoni got out twice against our team. Once, he hit a shot towards deep cover and I took a diving catch. I celebrated it so much that he actually got annoyed," Ashwin recalled with a smile.
The former India spinner then shared the amusing exchange that followed. "He was like, 'What's there to celebrate so much?' I told him, 'Getting your wicket was my dream. Maybe this will open a door for me in CSK.' The next year, I got my chance."
CSK's Golden Era and Domestic Contributions
Ashwin eventually went on to become one of CSK's most important bowlers and played a key role in the franchise's golden era under Dhoni's captaincy. 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 just good batsmen, but many quality bowlers too. Along with that, a few domestic players came through, like me, Murali Vijay, Badrinath and Shadab Jakati, who many may not know 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. He remains a respected figure in the cricketing world, known for his tactical acumen and memorable performances.
