Cricket

Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a heartwarming moment with chess legend Viswanathan Anand on a flight. Ashwin, a self-proclaimed "fanboy," posted a picture on Instagram expressing his admiration for Anand, who hails from the same state of Tamil Nadu.Anand, India's first chess grandmaster, has achieved remarkable success in the sport, becoming a five-time World Chess Champion. His contributions have paved the way for chess in India, inspiring a generation of players.Ashwin, known for his exceptional bowling skills in Test cricket, has also ventured into the world of chess. In July, he became the co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League 2024.The meeting between Ashwin and Anand sparked excitement among fans, who praised the duo for their achievements in their respective fields. Ashwin's caption on Instagram read, "A fanboy moment and a flight journey to savour forever with the legendary Vishwanathan Anand."Anand's journey to becoming India's first chess grandmaster in 1988 was a groundbreaking moment for the sport in the country. He reached the pinnacle of chess, holding the No. 1 ranking for 21 consecutive months.In 2024, India made history by winning its first-ever gold medals at the Chess Olympiad in both the men's and women's categories. This triumph showcased the growing strength of chess in India, a testament to Anand's influence.Meanwhile, Ashwin has established himself as one of the greatest bowlers of his generation, particularly in Test cricket. He is currently only 83 wickets behind Anil Kumble among Indian cricketers with the most Test wickets.Despite India's recent 0-3 loss to New Zealand in a home Test series, Ashwin remains a key player for the team. He expressed his disappointment over the defeat, calling it a "shattering experience."Ashwin is set to feature for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting from November 22. His experience and skill will be crucial as India aims to regain its dominance in Test cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin's 100th Test milestone was a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the sport. The veteran off-spinner marked the occasion with a stellar performance, claiming four wickets as England were bowled out for 218 on the opening day of the fifth Test in Dharamshala.Ashwin's achievement was widely celebrated, with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) sharing a video on Twitter where he discussed the influence of chess champion Viswanathan Anand on his game. Ashwin revealed that he had reached out to Anand during the pandemic to discuss chess on his YouTube channel.Anand, in turn, praised Ashwin's mental fortitude and strategic thinking, calling him "the chess player amongst the cricketers." He also shared that Ashwin had sought his advice on improving the mental aspect of his game through chess.Ashwin's journey to 100 Tests has been marked by both brilliance and perseverance. He made his debut in 2011 and has since established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in the world. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and outfox batsmen with his variations has made him a formidable opponent.Off the field, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and analytical approach to the game. He is an avid reader and has a keen interest in history and philosophy. His ability to think strategically and adapt to different situations has been a key factor in his success.As Ashwin continues his illustrious career, he remains a role model for aspiring cricketers and a source of inspiration for fans around the world. His 100th Test is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the enduring power of the human spirit.