Ravichandran Ashwin, celebrated for his exceptional off-spin bowling, marked his 38th birthday on September 17 in a memorable way with the Indian cricket team. The festivities took place in the team's dressing room at Chepauk Stadium, where Ashwin's teammates made the celebration special with a light-hearted tradition. Rishabh Pant, known for his playful nature, smeared Ashwin's face with chocolate cake, an act that was captured and shared on Instagram stories by Pant and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. This moment of fun and camaraderie highlighted the strong bonds within the team and the joy they share.
As Ashwin cut his birthday cake, the entire squad joined in singing birthday wishes, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Pant, who took the initiative in the cake-smearing, underscored the close friendship he shares with Ashwin, a connection that has grown since they began playing together in 2018. Their playful interaction was a testament to the mutual respect and affection between the players.
The cricketing community joined in celebrating Ashwin's special day, with an outpouring of good wishes from both former and current cricketers. Notable figures such as Suresh Raina, Badrinath, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, and KL Rahul extended their heartfelt birthday greetings to Ashwin, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.
Ashwin's career is a testament to his skill and dedication. Over the years, he has become a cornerstone of India's bowling attack, amassing over 500 Test wickets. His ability to also contribute as a lower-order batter has further cemented his place as one of the most valuable players in the team. Notably, Ashwin became the fastest Indian to achieve 100 Test wickets, reaching this milestone in just 18 matches. He is one of the elite bowlers in the 500 Test wickets club, joining the ranks of Indian great Anil Kumble, who holds the record for the most Test wickets by an Indian with 619 scalps.
As Ashwin gears up for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 at his home ground in Chennai, he has the opportunity to set new records. He is just 22 wickets away from surpassing Anil Kumble's record of 476 Test wickets taken in India. Achieving this milestone would not only honor Kumble's legacy but also establish Ashwin as the leading wicket-taker on Indian soil, further solidifying his illustrious career.
The birthday celebration and the anticipation of his upcoming performance underscore Ashwin's significant role in Indian cricket and the respect he commands from his peers and fans alike.
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