As India prepares for their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to lead the spin attack in his hometown of Chennai at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Ahead of the much-anticipated clash on September 19, Ashwin’s wife, Prithi Narayanan, took to Instagram to express her excitement for the Test match, sharing a heartwarming story that resonated with fans of the legendary cricketer.
In her Instagram story posted on Friday, September 13, Prithi shared an image featuring Ashwin, along with the caption: “Chennai, Test match feelings are coming. Right?” This subtle yet emotional post sparked anticipation for the series opener, especially for the local fans who are eagerly awaiting to see their star in action on home soil once again.
Ashwin’s Remarkable Record at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium
Ashwin, who has already established himself as one of the finest spinners in Test cricket, has a special connection to the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Having played four Tests at this venue, he has enjoyed tremendous success, including a memorable century against England during his last outing in Chennai. As a local hero, the upcoming Test will mark his fifth appearance at the ground, further cementing his legacy at the venue that holds immense sentimental value for him.
The series against Bangladesh holds significant importance for Ashwin, who has been in phenomenal form this year. His last Test appearance came during India’s fifth and final Test against England earlier in 2024, which also happened to be his 100th Test match. In that match, Ashwin was the standout performer in the second innings, picking up a five-wicket haul, and finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the series with 26 wickets across 10 innings at an impressive average of 24.80.
A Stellar Year for Ashwin Across Formats
Ashwin’s impact this year hasn’t been limited to red-ball cricket. He also shone in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, representing the Rajasthan Royals. Throughout the tournament, Ashwin was a key figure for the Royals, and his standout performance in the Eliminator match against SunRisers Hyderabad earned him the Player of the Match award, even though his team fell short of advancing to the next stage.
Not only did Ashwin excel in the IPL, but he also made waves in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where he played for the Dindigul Dragons. His leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding the Dragons to victory, and he played a pivotal role in their triumphant campaign, further proving his dominance across multiple formats.
India’s Preparations for Bangladesh Series
With the Test series against Bangladesh set to begin on September 19, Team India has already assembled in Chennai, kicking off their training camp. Ashwin will be one of the key players to watch out for, especially as the team looks to build momentum ahead of a crucial season of Test cricket.
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The second Test match in the series will take place at Green Park, Kanpur, on September 27, where Ashwin is expected to play a significant role again. The 36-year-old spinner remains one of India’s most reliable assets, particularly in home conditions where his spin bowling has often proved unplayable.
As Ashwin prepares to take the field at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium once again, fans and teammates alike are eagerly awaiting another masterclass from the experienced campaigner. With his wife’s emotional post only adding to the anticipation, the upcoming Test promises to be a memorable one for Chennai’s favorite son.
India will be looking to start the series on a high note, with Ashwin leading the charge as they take on Bangladesh in what promises to be an exciting contest.
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