‘He inspired me to be the cricketer I am’ – R Ashwin reveals Sachin Tendulkar’s role in shaping his career

India veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up on Sachin Tendulkar’s role in shaping his professional career. Notably, the ‘God of Cricket’ celebrated his 50^th birthday on April 24 (Monday).

Sachin Tendulkar has been an inspiration for many across the globe. The legend of the game has engraved his name in the history books for various different records, including most runs in Test and ODI formats of the game and 100 international centuries. Tendulkar played six ODI World Cups (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011) and the Mumbai-born cricketer conquered his final peak in 2011 as he attained glory, winning the ODI World Cup at home.

Inspired by his perseverance, resilience, and determination, Ashwin stated that it was Tendulkar who helped shape his career. “I played some of my cricket with Sachin (Tendulkar), and the high point has to be the 2011 World Cup. He had waited 22 years for the world title, yet again, it defined him. He had never given up hope and was putting in the hardest possible effort to achieve his dream,” an excerpt from the book Boria Majumdar's 'Sachin@50' reads.

“He wanted to be the best in the world, and nothing else would suffice. That was him. All hard work and self-belief, and single-minded pursuit of excellence. He inspired me greatly in trying to become the cricketer I am. To try and excel each time I stepped onto the field wearing the India jersey. Be the best version of myself against the best of opponents. It was fitting that we dedicated the 2011 World Cup triumph to him,” Ashwin added.

Sachin was the glue which galvanized the nation: R Ashwin

Tendulkar is one of the few cricketers in the world, who has a massive following regardless of the venue. Ashwin further added that it was the legendary cricketer who kept the nation together each time he took the field.

“He was the kind of glue which had galvanized the nation. Each time he would walk out to bat, it was as if all of India was doing the same with him. He shaped our understanding of what Indians can achieve. And that’s his real legacy. Hope. Giving us all hope each day he played the sport. And we are forever grateful to him for this,” read another excerpt.