Mathew Hayden Reflects on Chats with R Ashwin: ‘Sharing Insights, Similar to My Talks with Bishan Bedi Years Ago

Ravichandran Ashwin has declared his international cricket careers over on Wednesday. The talented off spinner in test cricket with 537 test wickets, is one of the most celebrated player of his era. Recalling the time in CSK, Matthew Hayden said he used to sit with Ashwin and discuss more like he used to with Bishan Singh Bedi.

“I had the privilege of spending many journeys with him; I sat next to him on the team bus during our travelling to the pretty Chepauk Stadium in Tamil Nadu while we represented CSK. Even though he was younger than me and just coming into his playing years he’d regularly consult with me since I was towards the end of my career. Sometimes we would talk business – serious planning like how to deal with the sweeper or why I chose to sweep the floor. It was absolutely an exchange of information as were some of the ones that I had with Bishan Bedi. Well Ashwin is a great person, I think it’s great to have him as a teammate,” Hayden said on Star Sports.

Ashwin was as much a wonderful off-spinner as he was a sharp-cricket brain, the latter being the key to plotting strategies to vanquish the opposite team. But Ashwin is an intelligent cricket mind who always doubles up on what is required of the bowler, and he continues to plot. He overconfident and fully trusts himself and his capabilities. And that mate, although he can rub people up the wrong way at times especially fans and his own teammates because he is a very stubborn man, all the very best for your retirement Sir Hayden.

Ashwin made his debut to the international cricket in the year 2011 against the West Indian cricket team after a great run in Indian premier league playing for CSK. Besides his 537 test wickets, he has 156 one day international wickets and 72 T20I wickets to his bag. Playing under the tender age of 40, Ashwin has declared himself making himself unavailable for international cricket but open for domestic cricket in India. Later in 2015, CSK bought him back at the auction when he was released from Rajasthan Royals.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir’s Tribute to Retiring R Ashwin: “You Will Inspire a Generation of Bowlers