I am indebted to Dhoni for the rest of my life for what he gave me: Ravichandran Ashwin

Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stated that he would forever be "indebted to" MS Dhoni. Ashwin, who is a major part of the Indian team, recalled how he got into the national side. Ashwin was roped in as a local spinner by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. He did not get the opportunity that year as Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan was leading their spin attack. 

Meanwhile, Dhoni gave the new ball to him in the 2011 IPL final against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The then-young off-spinner proved the worth of his inclusion in the fourth ball itself, dismissing Chris Gayle. He received his maiden call-up for Team India in the same year. He made his international debut under Dhoni and showcased a Player of the Match performance in the game against the West Indies in Delhi.

"In 2008 I met all the greats (in the CSK dressing room) Mathew Hayden and MS Dhoni. I sat through (IPL) 2008. I was a nobody then, where am I to play in a team that had Muttiah Muralitharan," said Ashwin, who was felicitated by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association in a grand ceremony for his rare achievements of claiming 500 Test wickets.

Also read: Former BCCI chief N Srinivasan-TNCA rewards Ravichandran Ashwin with one Crore for completing 100 Tests and 500 wickets landmark

"I am indebted to Dhoni for the rest of my life for what he gave me. He gave me an opportunity with the new ball to go head on with Chris Gayle and 17 years later Anil bhai would be talking about the same episode," the 37-year-old recalled.

"I don't generally search for words to express how I feel. I am truly humbled and grateful to be here," he said after several current and former stars paid tributes to him for his accomplishments.

Also read: MS Dhoni gearing up for IPL 2024 with monstrous hits in Chepauk Stadium

He went on to speak about himself stating he is argumentative but not with the person and only in pursuit of new learnings.

"Anil bhai and Rahul (Dravid) bhai briefly mentioned that it is very tough to win an argument with me. It is true because I believe argument is one of the greatest pathways to excellence. Argument is never with the person. It is always with the true learning that comes at the end of it," he added.