In the annals of Indian cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin’s debut Test in 2011 marked a pivotal moment. Amidst uncertainties surrounding the country’s spin resources, Ashwin emerged as a beacon of hope, not just as an off-spinner but as a relentless force in the red-ball arena. Now, as he gears up for his 100th test in Dharmasala, let’s unravel the whereabouts of the teammates who stood by his side on that historic day.
A Stalwart Opening: Gambhir and Sehwag
Gautam Gambhir, once a formidable opener, bid adieu to cricket in 2016. Transitioning into politics, he briefly held a parliamentary seat before bowing out in 2024. Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag, the explosive batsman, found solace in broadcasting post his 2013 retirement. Today, he lends his insights to various cricket platforms, adding a unique flavor to the analysis.
Dravid’s Transition: From Bat to Coach
Rahul Dravid, the Wall of Indian cricket, retired in 2012 and seamlessly transitioned into coaching. After successful stints with IPL franchises, he clinched the U-19 World Cup as a coach in 2018. Presently, Dravid commands the helm as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, shaping the future generation.
Sachin’s Graceful Exit and Mumbai Indians Bond
Sachin Tendulkar, a cricketing legend, bid farewell in 2013. Post-retirement, he enjoys family life and maintains ties with Mumbai Indians in the IPL. The Little Master continues to be an influential figure in the cricketing world.
Laxman’s Multi-Faceted Role
VVS Laxman traded his bat for the commentator’s mic in 2012. Beyond that, he served as a mentor for SunRisers Hyderabad and assumed leadership roles at the National Cricket Academy. Currently, he holds the positions of Head of Cricket at NCA and head coach for India Under-19 and India A teams.
Yuvraj Singh: From Cricket Glory to Cancer Philanthropy
Yuvraj Singh, a crucial player in India’s twin World Cup victories, retired in 2017. Post-cricket, he dedicates himself to cancer philanthropy through his foundation, YouWeCan, providing support to fellow survivors.
Dhoni’s Captaincy Continues in the IPL Arena
MS Dhoni, India’s most successful captain, stepped down after the 2019 World Cup. While he bid farewell to international cricket, Dhoni remains an IPL stalwart, leading the Chennai Super Kings. His cricketing legacy thrives in the T20 extravaganza.
Bowling Brigade: Ashwin, Ishant, Ojha, Yadav
Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spin maestro, continues to dominate the cricketing scene, excelling both internationally and in the IPL. Ishant Sharma strives for a national team return, grinding hard in domestic cricket and featuring in IPL with the Delhi Capitals.
Pragyan Ojha, after his Test career ended in 2013, embraced commentary and contributed to the IPL Governing Council. The evergreen workhorse, Umesh Yadav, plies his trade in domestic cricket and remains an IPL journeyman, recently representing the Gujarat Titans.
In essence, the journey from Ashwin’s debut to his 100th Test unveils a tapestry of diverse post-cricketing paths, showcasing the resilience and versatility of these cricketing stalwarts.
You can also check out Suryakumar Yadav’s Witty Banter on Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Instagram Creates Buzz.
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