Source: NDTV Sports

The announcement of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket in 2024 sent ripples through the cricketing world. Coming mid-series during India’s Test clash against Australia, it was as abrupt as it was significant, marking the end of an era for one of India’s most cerebral and decorated cricketers. With 537 Test wickets in 106 games, Ashwin retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the longest format, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble. Yet, amidst the accolades and the inevitable reflection on his stellar career, a recent revelation from Ashwin himself has cast his journey in an even more profound light, offering a unique insight into the crucible of self-improvement that forged his greatness.

The Architect of Ambition: Criticism as Catalyst

It has emerged that a critical assessment penned by former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar years ago served not as a roadblock, but as a pivotal catalyst in Ashwin’s career. Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Cheeky Singles’, Ashwin candidly recounted the incident that, despite initially sparking anger, ultimately ‘changed my life’. This wasn’t just a fleeting disagreement; it was a deep-seated professional challenge that Ashwin internalised and weaponised for his own betterment.

The genesis of this fascinating dynamic dates back to Ashwin’s first tour of Australia. Following the tour, Manjrekar published an article that sharply criticised Ashwin’s fitness, specifically highlighting deficiencies in his fielding and a perceived lack of stability in his bowling action at the crease. For any professional athlete, public criticism, especially from a respected figure within the sport, can be a bitter pill to swallow. For Ashwin, it was no different.

Manjrekar’s Words: A Bitter Pill, A Lasting Cure

Ashwin admitted, ‘After reading I got angry, getting angry is one thing, but I felt very bad.’ This raw emotion is understandable. Elite athletes operate in a high-pressure environment, where every aspect of their game is scrutinised. To have one’s physical attributes and fundamental technique called into question publicly could easily lead to resentment or a defensive stance. However, Ashwin’s response, though initially emotional, took a different trajectory. He confessed, ‘I used to not talk a lot to him either.’ This period of frosty silence wasn’t born of mere petulance, but rather a silent, steely resolve to prove the doubters wrong.

The incident speaks volumes about the psychological landscape of professional sports. Critics often forget the human element, the dedication and sacrifice that goes into reaching the pinnacle of a sport. Yet, sometimes, the very sting of criticism can ignite a fire that propels an athlete to unprecedented heights. Ashwin, known for his cerebral approach to cricket, demonstrated that he could not only absorb such feedback but fundamentally transform it into fuel for personal and professional growth.

Years of Silent Resolve: From Doubt to Dominance

What followed the initial criticism was a period of intense, unyielding dedication. Ashwin explicitly stated, ‘The next four years, I worked a lot, as I was not a gifted athlete.’ This admission is particularly striking. In an era often dominated by naturally athletic marvels, Ashwin’s self-assessment as ‘not a gifted athlete’ underscores the immense effort and discipline he poured into his craft. It reframes his subsequent success not merely as talent realised, but as a testament to sheer willpower and diligent application.

During these transformative years, Ashwin meticulously honed his fitness and overall game. This wasn’t just about shedding a few pounds; it was about building the core strength required for a consistent, repeatable bowling action, improving agility in the field, and enhancing his endurance to withstand the rigours of Test cricket. His evolution from a promising off-spinner to one of the most resilient and versatile bowlers in the world is inextricably linked to this period of silent, self-imposed improvement.

A Message of Gratitude: The Turning Point Acknowledged

The true measure of Ashwin’s character, and the profound impact of Manjrekar’s article, came years later. In 2015, Manjrekar published another piece, this time praising Ashwin’s bowling prowess. This was the moment Ashwin chose to bridge the gap. He took the initiative, asking for Manjrekar’s number and sending him a message. His words were unequivocal: ‘your article back then changed my life. I always look at whether there is something to learn from criticism.’ This act of humility and gratitude, years after the initial anger had subsided, is a powerful illustration of Ashwin’s philosophical approach to his career and life.

It highlights his unique ability to transcend personal affronts and extract constructive lessons from even the harshest feedback. This mindset, of viewing criticism not as an attack but as an opportunity for growth, is a hallmark of truly exceptional individuals, especially in the high-stakes world of elite sports. It’s a mindset that has allowed Ashwin to constantly reinvent himself, adding variations to his bowling, improving his batting, and maintaining his effectiveness across formats for over a decade.

A Legacy Redefined: Beyond the Wickets

Ashwin’s career statistics alone speak volumes. To stand as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, surpassing countless legends, is an extraordinary feat. His 537 scalps place him in an elite club of Test bowlers globally, a testament to his skill, cunning, and longevity. However, this revelation about Sanjay Manjrekar adds a deeper, more human dimension to his legacy. It portrays Ashwin not just as a master tactician with the ball, but as a supremely self-aware individual who understood the value of self-improvement and possessed the mental fortitude to transform adversity into advantage.

This incident also contextualises his relentless work ethic and his constant pursuit of perfection. He wasn’t just relying on natural talent; he was actively sculpting his game, spurred on by the very words that initially hurt him. This narrative of a ‘non-gifted athlete’ working tirelessly to achieve greatness resonates deeply and offers inspiration far beyond the cricket field.

The Reluctant Farewell

Ashwin’s international retirement in 2024, announced with immediate effect during the second Test against Australia in Adelaide, came as a shock. His words, ‘I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer,’ were succinct and poignant, reflecting a man who always chose actions over elaborate statements. He picked just one wicket in that final game, a statistic that hardly diminishes the monumental contributions of a career built on grit, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

This recent insight into his early career struggles and his response to criticism offers a vital piece of the puzzle in understanding the complex, brilliant mind of Ravichandran Ashwin. It underscores that true greatness often isn’t merely born; it’s forged in the fires of challenge, tempered by self-reflection, and sharpened by the relentless pursuit of betterment.

---

Disclaimer: This article draws on reporting originally published by NDTV Sports, expanded with additional analysis and context by the Cricket Mantra editorial team.