A Permanent Place in Chepauk's History
The TNCA has decided to name one of the newly constructed stands at the legendary Chepauk stadium in Chennai after the city's very own cricketing giant, Ravichandran Ashwin. This honour places Ashwin in an elite group, as he joins former India greats
and fellow Tamil Nadu legends S. Venkataraghavan and K. Srikkanth, who will also have stands named after them. The decision recognizes Ashwin's immense contribution to Indian and Tamil Nadu cricket. It serves as a permanent testament to the legacy of a player who grew up in Chennai and went on to become one of the world's most formidable spin bowlers. The iconic stadium, which has witnessed countless historic moments, will now have a section that perpetually celebrates the career of its most successful homegrown bowler.
The Fortress of a Local Hero
Ashwin's connection with the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium is profound. It's not just his home ground; it's a fortress where he has produced some of his most magical performances in Test cricket. In just five Test matches at the venue, he has claimed an astonishing 36 wickets, including multiple five-wicket hauls. His record here is a testament to his mastery over the local conditions and his ability to make the Chepauk pitch dance to his tunes. Beyond his bowling, he has also scored a memorable Test century on this ground, showcasing his all-round capabilities and cementing his status as a complete match-winner in front of his home crowd. These performances are etched in the memory of the Chennai faithful, who have had a front-row seat to his genius.
From Chennai's Leagues to Global Stardom
Ashwin's journey is a story of relentless hard work and an unyielding passion for the game. Long before he became a household name, he was honing his skills in the highly competitive TNCA league cricket in Chennai. His deep roots in the local cricketing ecosystem are well-documented; even at the peak of his international career, he has often returned to play for his club, demonstrating a rare connection to the grassroots of the sport. This dedication to his origins and his cerebral approach to the game, earning him the nickname of a 'cricketing scientist', have inspired a generation of young cricketers in the state. This honour from the TNCA is not just for his international exploits but also a recognition of his identity as a proud product of Chennai's rich cricketing culture.
An Honour Among Legends
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, established in 1916, is one of India's oldest and most storied cricketing venues. While a new stand was recently named after former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in 2023, naming stands after cricketers is a tradition that connects the stadium's structure to its sporting soul. The decision to honour Ashwin, Venkataraghavan, and Srikkanth together is a powerful nod to Tamil Nadu's contribution to Indian cricket across different eras. Venkataraghavan, a feared spinner and former India captain, led India in the first two World Cups, while Srikkanth, a swashbuckling opener, was a key member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team. Ashwin now takes his rightful place alongside these titans, symbolizing a bridge between the state's glorious past and its equally brilliant present.
