‘I got angry, felt very bad’: Ashwin reveals why he barely spoke to Sanjay Manjrekar for years after criticism
Ashwin Reveals Why He Barely Spoke to Manjrekar After Criticism
Bharatmorningnews.com – these were the honest words of Ravichandran Ashwin when he finally opened up about the years of silence between him and Sanjay Manjrekar. The legendary Indian off-spinner recently shared the emotional story behind his prolonged distance from the former India batsman, revealing how criticism about his physical condition once deeply affected him. The comments, which suggested his fitness was hampering both his bowling and fielding capabilities, initially sparked intense anger in the veteran all-rounder. However, Ashwin later acknowledged that this challenging moment became a pivotal turning point in his professional journey.
The Criticism That Changed Everything
The incident dates back to Ashwin’s return journey from his maiden Australia tour, where he read Manjrekar’s detailed article about his performance. While the criticism made him angry, it also left him feeling disheartened and questioned his abilities. Rather than dwelling on the negativity, the spinner chose to channel his frustration into motivation. He realized that if he wanted to prove his detractors wrong, he needed to work harder than ever before. The former cricketer also noted that he maintained minimal communication with Manjrekar for a considerable period after reading the article. Their bond only began to mend in 2015 when Manjrekar published another piece commending Ashwin’s bowling and recognizing the significant changes in his game.
“I had messaged Sanjay Manjrekar once. After my first Australia tour, he had written a long article, and I read it completely while returning. After reading I got angry, getting angry is one thing, but I felt very bad. I let it go. I used to not talk a lot to him either. The next four years, I worked a lot, as I was not a gifted athlete. Then in 2015, he wrote another article saying he was bowling very well. Then I asked for his number and messaged him that your article back then changed my life. I always look at whether there is something to learn from criticism,” Ashwin said on JioHotstar’s ‘Cheeky Singles’.
A Distinguished International Career
Ashwin concluded his international journey as one of India’s most decorated cricketers. Across 287 matches in all formats, he claimed 765 wickets, with 537 coming in Tests, 156 in ODIs, and 72 in T20Is. This remarkable achievement positioned him as India’s second-highest wicket-taker internationally, trailing only the legendary Anil Kumble. Known for his tactical acumen and mastery of off-spin, Ashwin played a crucial role in India’s Test cricket supremacy for over ten years. A multiple recipient of the ICC Cricketer of the Year award, he also contributed significantly with the bat, recording six Test centuries and delivering numerous match-winning performances throughout his illustrious career.
After stepping away from international and IPL cricket, Ashwin continued competing in overseas franchise tournaments. He was contracted for the Big Bash League in the previous season but had to withdraw due to an injury. Most recently, the experienced off-spinner appeared in Major League Cricket, maintaining his presence in global T20 competitions. His journey from being criticized for fitness to becoming one of the world’s best bowlers serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers everywhere.
FAQ: Ashwin and Manjrekar’s Relationship
When did Ashwin and Manjrekar reconnect after their years of silence? They reconnected in 2015 when Manjrekar published an article praising Ashwin’s bowling performance. This prompted Ashwin to ask for Manjrekar’s number and send him a message acknowledging how the earlier criticism had changed his life.
What was the main criticism Manjrekar made about Ashwin? Manjrekar’s criticism focused on Ashwin’s physical condition, suggesting that his fitness was hampering both his bowling and fielding abilities during his early international career.
How long did Ashwin barely speak to Manjrekar after the criticism? Ashwin maintained minimal communication with Manjrekar for approximately four years after reading the critical article during his return from Australia.
What platform did Ashwin share this story on? Ashwin revealed this personal story on JioHotstar’s cricket show ‘Cheeky Singles’, where he opened up about his emotional journey and relationship with Manjrekar.