Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed an interesting anecdote from the early days of his career, recalling how his over-the-top celebration after dismissing MS Dhoni in the Challenger Trophy apparently angered 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 early years. Chennai Super Kings And told how Dhoni’s wicket-taking was a pivotal moment.Ashwin admitted that during the early IPL years, it was extremely difficult to break into CSK’s playing XI due to the presence of legendary bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan.“Murlidharan was in the team, a legend, bowling his full quota, so I wasn’t getting a chance. I didn’t play in 2008, but in 2009, I played my first match in Cape Town against Mumbai Indians and Sachin Tendulkar. Even between 2009 and 2010, I still didn’t get many opportunities,” Ashwin said.
According to Ashwin, the turning point came during the Challenger Trophy when he managed to get Dhoni out twice. One out in particular is unforgettable for him and apparently for Dhoni as well.“Dhoni got out twice against our team. Once, he hit a shot towards deep cover and I took a diving catch. I celebrated him so much that he actually got angry,” Ashwin recalls with a smile.The former India spinner then shared an interesting exchange.“He was like, ‘What’s there to celebrate?’ I told him, ‘It was my dream to get your wicket. Maybe it will open a door for me at CSK.’ The next year I got the chance.Ashwin eventually became one of CSK’s most important bowlers and was instrumental in the golden era of the franchise under Dhoni’s captaincy. Elaborating 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 the early teams that not only had good batsmen, but also many quality bowlers. Along with that came a few homegrown players like myself, Murali Vijay, Badrinath and Shadab Jakati, who may not be known to many 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.
