Ahead of Johannesburg Test, Ashwin recalls ‘landmark’ moment of career

Following India’s win against South Africa in the first Test at Centurion, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin posted a video on his YouTube channel remembering his experiences at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, where the second Test will commence on January 3.

Ashwin went on to recall his experiences during the 2009 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which was held in South Africa due to general elections in India. A part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team at the time, Ashwin played against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the semi-finals at Johannesburg, but lost. “It [Johannesburg] is also the first place that I have been after getting stamped on the passport. CSK and RCB have played their knock out semi-final match in this place. I remember Rahul Bhai and Anil bhai taking RCB to play with Deccan Chargers in the final,” said the off-spinner.

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The 35-year-old also recalled winning the Champions League in 2010, saying, “After playing 2009 IPL, I remember we playing Champions League in 2010. This was the place [the Wanderers Stadium] we arrived at for the finals of the Champions League. We had played against Chevrolet Warriors and won the finals. I bagged the player of the tournament title.”

The Indian spinner went on to describe his 2010 Champions League win as a “landmark” moment in his career, saying, “I have still placed that trophy as first in my cabinet. I took a wicket in the game. Davy Jacobs was in excellent form as a captain of Warriors and has also been in the squad of Mumbai Indians. I remember his reverse sweep at that time!”

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Ashwin has made a remarkable turnaround to his international career following a slump in recent years. He had been dropped from the Indian team in 2017 following India’s tour of the West Indies, but the off-spinner was not ready to let his international career die. On the back of good and consistent performances in the IPL, Ashwin was recalled by India for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and is also in the team for India’s ongoing three-match Test series in South Africa.

Recently, the 35-year-old was also selected to play in India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which commences on January 19.