Though you might be aware that Ravichandran Ashwin pursued engineering, did you know that his college days were the turning point in his career? 

In an interaction with the media for the first time since he bagged two ICC Awards, Ashwin revealed a life-changing incident during the time he spent on campus.  

“I would like to call myself an engineer who became a cricketer, than being considered a cricketer who became an engineer! Actually, an incident during my college days taught me harsh realities,” said the 30-year-old, as he began narrating the incident. 

“While I was in my final year, I went to my HOD and told him that I hadn’t got any of my records signed — and that I needed to get it done to appear for my examinations. He told me something which was really hurtful, ‘Come on, you earn money anyway — you’re already a cricketer and you even have a contract with Chennai Super Kings. There are others who are on the streets who deserve to be engineers!’ I came back home wondering if I had wasted four years of my career — and wondered what would happen if I didn’t make it on the pitch also. It motivated me to go that extra yard and work harder,” he mused. 

When the No.1 Test bowler in the world was questioned about how he comes up with witty replies on social media, he replied in a-light-hearted way, “I think comparing my on-field personality with how I actually am in real life is a problem with a few people. I am a very friendly person and I like pulling others’ legs constantly!” 

Ashwin, as a tribute to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy, earlier posted a tweet recalling a quick chat with his skipper before the last over of the Champions Trophy final against England in 2013. 

“When we were discussing the field settings, I told him, no matter what we set, it would be effective only if my hands stopped shivering! But the match turned out to be a memorable victory for me as many of the decisions taken by myself and Ishant yielded rewards,” he recalled fondly and signed off.