Cricket

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.

R. Ashwin, the renowned Indian cricketer, has recently launched his autobiography titled "I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story." In this book, Ashwin shares his journey from the streets of Chennai to the pinnacle of international cricket.Ashwin believes that sharing his experiences can inspire others and help them learn from his mistakes and successes. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience, especially for those who come from humble beginnings. "We need to understand that if you are coming from this part of the country, you must fight for acceptance. You can't quit," he says.The book's title, "I Have the Streets," reflects Ashwin's deep connection to street cricket. He credits the city and street cricket for providing him with a safe haven and a sense of belonging. "In my 17-18 years on the road as a professional cricketer, I would be lying if I said I felt comfortable for a large part of it. I always wanted to return home to my friends and family until 2015," he explains.Ashwin also acknowledges the influence of his parents and grandfather on his work ethic and inquisitiveness. He speaks highly of former cricketers M.S. Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and W.V. Raman, who played pivotal roles in his development.The book is not just a memoir but also a reflection on the challenges and rewards of being a professional cricketer. Ashwin discusses the mental and physical toll of the game, as well as the importance of maintaining a positive mindset."Smart people learn from others' experiences. As long as this book positively impacts even five per cent of the people who read this, I have done my job," Ashwin says.