'Every time I stepped on the field, I took her with me in my heart' - Murugan Ashwin posts an emotional note for his late mother

Tamil Nadu leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin has posted a heartfelt message for his departed mother after helping his side clinch the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Sunday. Tamil Nadu thrashed Baroda by seven wickets in the final to win India’s domestic T20 tournament for the second time and first since the inaugural edition in 2006/07 season.

Tamil Nadu thoroughly dominated the contest as they beat Baroda without much trouble. Bowling first, the Dinesh Karthik-led side restricted Baroda to a modest total of 120 for 9. At one stage, Tamil Nadu had Baroda reeling at 36 for 6 before Vishnu Solanki and Atit Sheth stopped the rot and helped their team post a respectable total.

Overall, the leg-spinner played a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s triumph. Murugan Ashwin finished the tournament with 10 wickets in 8 outings. Unfortunately for Ashwin, he could not celebrate the triumph and his fine performance with his mother who passed away last month. He, however, made sure to post a touching tribute for his mother.

Murugan Ashwin’s message for his mother:

After the victory in the final, Murugan Ashwin took to Instagram and posted the message for his mother. The Tamil Nadu star revealed his mother passed away due to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Ashwin went on to reveal his mother’s passion for cricket and how she inspired him to take the game. He also opened up about her role in his career.

“One month back, my mother passed away due to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Her AML was at a very critical stage and unfortunately we had to lose her,” wrote Murugan Ashwin.

“My mom was very passionate about cricket. It is because of her that I started playing this game. The dozens of cricket balls, tennis balls and rubber balls which she used to buy for me when I was a kid made me enjoy playing with it and I gradually developed a great interest in the sport. She had invested a great amount of time in helping me improve my game by taking me for practice early in the day, watching me play during weekends, helping me to get permission for my school to play matches, buying a proper cricket kit, getting up as early as 4 am to cook for all of us in the family and leave for office by 7 am only to return in the evening at 7 and then cook dinner and do the same thing all over again every single day and so on. She was my No.1 fan and critic and always wanted me to perform well,” he added.

Writing further, Ashwin stated that he joined the Tamil Nadu squad immediately after his mother’s demise. The spinner stated that he wanted to do well in the competition and help Tamil Nadu win the tournament. He finished the message by dedicating the award to his mother.

“I had to leave for Syed mustaq ali trophy to represent tamilnadu immediately after her demise. But I still had my duties to perform for the following 13 days. I was confused and It was then my dad, wife and my sister who told me that I need to play the tournament and do well because that is what would make my mom really happy.

“This Syed mustaq ali trophy is for you mom. Everytime I stepped on the field , I took her with me in my heart and I wanted to perform well and help the team win. I am sure my mom will be proud and happy as we won the tournament and I turned out to be the highest wicket taker for Tamilnadu.

“Thank you Amma,” he wrote.

Here is the Instagram post from Murugan Ashwin: