R Ashwin, a keen club cricketer in every sense!

A hoarding featuring India offie R Ashwin at theTNCA premises, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Pic/Subodh Mayure

The hoarding featuring India off-spinner Ravichandran cannot be missed as one makes his way to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) office at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The caricature has special mention - "It's not about an over. Each ball delivered is an event."

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Ash treats every ball equally

And it seems Ashwin treats every ball that he bowls in international games as well as in club cricket equally. That's why, after playing a Test against West Indies at Port of Spain last July, he made himself available to play for his Mylapore Recreation Club against Young Stars Cricket Club in the TNCA first-division tournament - the Raja of Palayampatti Shield in August.

Former Tamil Nadu cricketer and coach D Vasu

Mylapore RC's director D Vasu revealed to mid-day why Ashwin is always eager to play in local tournaments despite his busy schedule. "Ashwin is very sincere. If he is available, he always comes and is eager to play. He is very disciplined about it [playing for club] and he gives his 100 per cent," Vasu said on Friday. Vasu also handles Tamil Nadu Premier League's Ashwin-led Dindigul Dragons team.

"A club is where you start your cricket. Once some of them graduate they just don't think of playing local cricket. If they play, it also helps other cricketers so Ashwin is sending the right message to upcoming players by playing for his club," Vasu, the TN all-rounder from 1988-89 to 2003-04, remarked. Ashwin, 37, has claimed 717 international scalps so far.

Shouldering responsibility

Playing and shouldering responsibility is kind of an inspiration for upcoming players. "He [Ashwin] is always eager to perform every time he enters the ground. His presence in the club team is a big motivating factor for other players. He guides the players which is very good for him as well as for the upcoming players," Vasu added. Ashwin has played a lone game in the ongoing World Cup. In India's six-wicket win over Australia at his home ground in Chepauk on October 8, he claimed 1-34.

Vasu is confident that he will get his skipper back to support youngsters immediately after the World Cup. "He will immediately start playing for the club. I hope that he gets to play some games in the World Cup. Hopefully he will make a strong comeback," he signed off.