Ravichandran Ashwin's Autobiography: A Captivating Journey from Streets to World Cup Glory

Ravichandran Ashwin's autobiography, "I Have The Streets - A Kutty Cricket Story," is a captivating memoir that chronicles his journey from his humble beginnings to his triumphant role in India's 2011 World Cup victory. The 184-page book is a treasure trove of amusing anecdotes and insightful reflections on Ashwin's innovative mindset and unwavering commitment to the sport.

One of the most gripping stories in the book revolves around an incident in Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) in 2010, during a limited overs match against South Africa. An enraged Mahendra Singh Dhoni instructed Ashwin to inform team manager Ranjib Biswal to book S Sreesanth on the next available flight back home. The reason behind this drastic decision was Sreesanth's repeated disregard for Dhoni's instructions to sit in the dug-out with other reserves for a massage in the dressing room.

Ashwin's autobiography also delves into his controversial "Mankading" debut as a teenager and the pivotal role played by WV Raman in shaping him into a formidable off-spinner. While the book steers clear of sob stories and excessive dramatization, it offers readers an engaging and insightful look into the life and career of one of India's most talented cricketers.

Ashwin's strong belief in adhering to the rules and maintaining fairness in the sport is evident throughout the book. He recalls an incident during a school cricket match when his father instructed him to dismiss the non-striker for gaining an unfair advantage by leaving the crease prematurely.

The book also highlights Ashwin's deep respect for former India opener WV Raman, who is highly esteemed in Indian cricket for his technical expertise. Ashwin credits Raman with improving his technique by straightening his run-up from an angular one, which helped correct his alignment and enhanced his overall performance.

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