R Ashwin Shares Cricket Journey In Autobiography: Dhoni's Leadership And More

Ravichandran Ashwin's autobiography, 'I Have The Streets- A Kutty Cricket Story,' co-authored by journalist Sidharth Monga and published by Penguin Random House, offers a captivating look into his cricketing journey. The 184-page book covers his early years to India's 2011 World Cup victory, filled with humorous anecdotes and insightful reflections.

A memorable story in the book recounts an incident in Port Elizabeth in 2010 during a limited-overs game against South Africa. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, frustrated with Sreesanth's repeated absence from the dugout, instructed Ashwin to send him back to India. This stern handling highlights Dhoni's leadership style.

Ashwin narrates, "I take water. MS drinks. Two overs later, I take more. He drinks more. Then again. I have carried more water for MS than anyone else. When I go in for the drink break, MS asks, 'Where is Sree?' It is possibly the most neutral way of asking a question. It is also the MS way."

"You just can't make out why he is asking. I don't know what to tell him because I don't know what it might lead to. MS insists on finding out. I tell him Sree is upstairs in the dressing room. He tells me to tell Sree he has to come down and sit with the other reserves," Ashwin continues.

Ashwin also shares an early experience with 'Mankading,' a form of dismissal he firmly believes in as it falls within the rules of cricket. He recalls how his father encouraged him to run out a non-striker who was backing up too far during a school game.

"At twelve, I am bowling during a tense climax for Rao's Cricket Clinic, our PSBB school coach Chandrasekhar Rao's team, against DAV Gopalapuram at the RKM Cricket Ground, when I see Appa gesture from behind the striker that the non-striker is stealing ground even before I let the ball go. He wants me to Mankad him. I do it. No one thinks it's weird, and there are no protests."

W.V. Raman's Influence on R Ashwin

Ashwin's respect for former India opener W.V. Raman is evident throughout his autobiography. Raman played a significant role in refining Ashwin's skills by helping him straighten his run-up and improve his alignment as an off-spinner.

"Raman and I are made for each other. For the life of me, I can't keep repeating the same thing. And Raman the coach comes up with something every day to help me keep discovering spin bowling to its fullest," Ashwin writes.

The book also delves into how Raman's innovative coaching methods helped Ashwin develop as a cricketer who constantly challenges conventions.

The situation escalated when Dhoni noticed Sreesanth still absent and instructed Ashwin to inform the team manager to book Sreesanth's return flight to India. This ultimatum finally spurred Sreesanth into action, who then diligently assumed the drinks duties.

'I Have The Streets- A Kutty Cricket Story' offers more than just an account of Ashwin’s career; it provides a unique glimpse into his mind and experiences that shaped him as one of India's finest spinners.