“I Have the Streets” – A Deep Dive into Ravi Ashwin’s Life and Career
New Delhi: The book I Have the Streets presents an insightful exploration of one of India’s most gifted spin bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin. Co-authored by renowned cricket writer Sidharth Monga of ESPN CricInfo, this autobiography delves into Ashwin’s journey, offering an intimate portrayal of his personal life, cricketing evolution, and the challenges he faced in reaching the pinnacle of his career.
The Early Years: A Foundation Built by Family
Ashwin’s formative years are closely tied to his family’s relentless support, which played a pivotal role in shaping his career. His parents, along with his aunt, grandfather, and friends, surrounded him with love and expectations, which not only influenced his outlook on life but also instilled a sense of responsibility. From a young age, Ashwin realized that his cricketing career was the focal point of his family’s hopes, an immense pressure that could either break or make a person. Fortunately for Ashwin, he turned this pressure into motivation, seeing it as a blessing rather than a burden.
His daily routine was rigorously designed by his father and grandfather to ensure he was focused on cricket and academics. His father would drive him to school, while his grandfather, who had a deep affection for him, would cycle to pick him up and ensure he was fed and rested before coaching sessions. This commitment to his cricketing development didn’t end with just his immediate family—his father would go to the extent of arranging mock exams for him, timing his performances, and setting high expectations to prepare him for the tough life ahead.
The Road to Cricket: Challenges and Determination
Unlike some of the prodigies of Indian cricket like Sachin Tendulkar or Rohit Sharma, Ashwin was not a natural athlete. He was not immediately identified as an exceptional talent, nor did he possess the kind of flair that was immediately visible in his peers. However, what Ashwin did have in abundance was an unyielding competitive streak and a sharp cricketing mind. From childhood, he had to contend with health issues, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, which often affected his athletic development. But instead of being discouraged, he used these obstacles to fuel his determination.
Ashwin’s competitive nature was evident early on in his street cricket matches. He would go to great lengths to ensure that his games remained competitive, even going so far as to introduce money bets to raise the stakes. Known for his intensity, he became infamous in his neighborhood for chasing down players who tried to run away from unfinished matches, a reflection of his commitment to the sport.
A Pragmatic Cricketer: The Role of Coaches and Mentors
Ashwin’s rise in cricket was not just about raw talent but also about the mental fortitude and knowledge he gained through coaching. He credits much of his success to his coach, Raman, whose practical approach shaped Ashwin into a thinking cricketer. Raman was not one to offer simple solutions; instead, he would make Ashwin experiment with different techniques, asking him to adjust things like his running speed or bowling pace, forcing Ashwin to think critically about his own game. This level of introspection became the cornerstone of Ashwin’s development as a cricketer.
This thinking approach was further honed under the mentorship of MS Dhoni. Dhoni encouraged Ashwin to explore variations in his bowling and to remain fearless in experimenting with different deliveries. One of Dhoni’s most significant pieces of advice to Ashwin was never to shy away from bowling variations, regardless of how many different balls he might bowl in an over. With the right field placements and confidence in his abilities, Ashwin was able to experiment freely, knowing he had the support of his captain.
Ashwin’s Unique Approach: Innovation and Intellectual Curiosity
Ashwin’s success is also attributed to his intellectual approach to the game. Unlike many of his contemporaries who rely purely on physical prowess, Ashwin’s ability to dissect a game and come up with innovative solutions has been a hallmark of his career. His cricketing intelligence allows him to continuously evolve, ensuring that he remains an indispensable asset to Indian cricket.
He has often been criticized for being too calculated and pragmatic in his approach, which is in stark contrast to the more instinctive and flamboyant styles of other cricketers. However, Ashwin has always embraced this as a strength rather than a weakness. He is a cricketer who thinks about every aspect of the game—from the conditions to the mindset of the batsmen. This level of cerebral analysis has set him apart as one of the best spinners in the world.
The Pressure of Success: A Journey of Self-Reflection
Ashwin’s story is not just one of individual achievement but also of the immense pressure that comes with being a cricketing prodigy in India. The expectations placed on him by his family, coaches, and the cricketing fraternity were overwhelming at times. But Ashwin has always been conscious of the sacrifices made by those around him, and he views this as both a gift and a responsibility. The recognition of his family’s role in his journey has kept him grounded despite his success.
A Cricketer’s Cricketer
Ashwin’s story is one of perseverance, intelligence, and relentless determination. He may not have had the immediate brilliance that some of his peers showcased, but his hard work, adaptability, and mental strength have made him one of the finest spinners India has ever produced. The book I Have the Streets gives readers an unfiltered look into the mind of a cricketer who, despite being unassuming in many ways, has left an indelible mark on the game. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, showing that success is not always about innate talent, but about how much one is willing to fight for it, learn from it, and innovate within it.
In sum, Ashwin’s rise from an average athlete to a world-class cricketer is a testament to his intellect, his approach to self-improvement, and the support system that nurtured his potential. I Have the Streets is not just a sports autobiography; it is a lesson in the value of hard work, introspection, and the power of family and mentorship in shaping an extraordinary career.
