Keeping the legacy alive

There is something special about being a cricketer. The nation looks up to you in awe even as the admiration society is full and brimming. Having captained my college team and thereafter having played cricket for my zone, and University, I can imagine the level of importance and adulation a modern day cricketer garners. This in many ways does have an impact on the conduct, approach and attitude of a cricketer. The one who changes, changes forever; the one who does not change is forever.

Mikhail with the 24-year-old Ashwin at the latter's residence in Chennai.

My meeting with R Ashwin was just another professional interaction (interview) with the off-spinner at his home. I landed with my team and was greeted by the off-spinner at the door. I wasted no time in getting ready and began rehearsing my lines, even as Ashwin disappeared for a brief stint (I assume he was getting ready).

The cameras were put in place by Jose John our cameraman, the lights illuminated the set-up, but all of a sudden, the creative streak in my camera person was eager for a few more changes in the location. My producer Anand Subramainan, too, decided for a complete revamp as I played the role of the observer. Ashwin, in the meantime, sprung into action. ‘So, what kind of chairs would you like to have?’, ‘What about the background?’, ‘Ok let me arrange for it, in the meantime you can change the dynamics of the room according to your convenience.’

I was quick to reply, ‘Thanks Ashwin, we regret the inconvenience.’

He was prompt and he was very cooperative. Being in Chennai at that time I can only say, ‘He was chilled out macha.’

Right, now everything was in place and we were all set to roll. We had an elaborate chat first up about the World Cup and suddenly during the break he asks me ‘Can I get you some water?’ My throat had dried and I quickly responded, ‘Sure, if that’s not a hassle.’

From the kitchen he shouts,’ I have Coke as well, care to have some?’ I responded, ‘Sounds tempting.’ The next minute my thirst was quenched with Coke and water.

There is a dignified restraint in everything he does, there is a method in his approach. His set of principles and values is complimented by the manner in which he understands or should I say reads the mind of the person around him. He loves to relate cricket with life. He is profound in his views, intellectual in his mind and intelligent with his words. There is so much of conviction in his replies that it is not surprising why MS Dhoni opens the bowling with him and uses him in the powerplay.

R Ashwin in many ways radiates positive energy. At 24, he wants to help the youth. He talks about being the guiding force for his juniors even as I was eager to know more about the Carom ball. I listened patiently because of the rare quality he possesses. The orator in Ashwin absorbs you with his raconteur. With him, conversation touches a new high and conviction in his speech is evident.

In his company, Anil Kumble come to mind. I remember a few brief interactions with the former leg spinner. The highlight of Kumble was he respected the situation and the environment around him. He spoke with great respect and his words acted as balm and buffer in most circumstances. He was dignified in his presentation, much to the comfort of the people around him. Ashwin displayed the same qualities with ease. In my three-hour chat with Ashwin I managed to draw one big comparison between the two. They are SELFLESS cricketers. Ashwin finds a solution, not through a compromise, but with conviction and convenience of everybody. He is the doer and the giver, two qualities that generates a winner.

Two very different spinners, one an unorthodox leg spinner and the other a conventional off spinner, but both have the spin to their personality and both of them possess the behaviour and persona to turn heads towards their direction.

Towards the end of our interview Ashwin, who was recuperating from a minor injury, says ‘Had I known, it would take this long, I would have got lunch ready for all of us.’ I said, ‘Your words have been a food for thought today, we have had a fill.’ Smiles all around, as my entire team admired his mannerisms and politeness. As we were leaving, Ashwin says ‘It was great chatting up, have a safe flight.’ Thank you is all I said. Few minutes later, I was air borne. Looking back at my time spent with him, its mid-air, when I felt “Sky is the limit for R Ashwin.”

Many believe Indian cricket in the coming years will miss the humble greatness and discipline of a Tendulkar, Laxman, Dravid, Kumble and Ganguly on and off the field. R Ashwin has surely given a passionate Indian supporter reason enough to believe that cricket, even today, is a gentleman’s game and the legacy of the legends shall prevail in Indian cricket.

By the end of it, a formal interview had turned into an informal conversation. He spoke his heart out. From being an attacking wicket taking spinner to enjoying pressure, Ashwin did not hold himself back. He spoke about his relationship with Dhoni, his variations, the carom ball, the pause before his delivery and his comparison with Harbhajan Singh as well.

All of this and more will be aired on Neo Cricket on “Dial C for Cricket special, The Big Interview.” . Watch the full interview
on Tuesday, 26th July at 9:30 pm. 

 

Mikhail Vaswani

Mikhail Vaswani, an anchor and presenter with Neo Cricket. He hosts popular shows like Dial C for Cricket, Cricket Central and Sportszone.