Impressing MS Dhoni Was My Only Goal In Life: R Ashwin Discloses At His Book Launch

Indian spin sensation Ravichandran Ashwin, who proved his metal by helping Team India triumph even in adverse situation several time, has launched a new book titled 'I Have the Streets- A Kutti Cricket Story'. In this book, R Ashwin shared an unheard story about his struggling days and how he caught MS Dhoni's attention, that turned out to be a golden opportunity for his career.

Ashwin, now a close friend and a must pick in Dhoni's team, at the book launch event, said, Dhoni did not even know him in the inagural season of IPL despite him being a part of Chennai Super Kings. But with time, he made a place in the team first and then in MS Dhoni's heart. He said it was his life goal to get wicket of MS Dhoni.

"MS Dhoni didn't even know someone like me existed in 2008. So, I made it my life goal, from 2009, to get the wicket of MS Dhoni," Ashwin said.

Ashwin also shared the incident that made him hero in eyes of the latter.

Diving into the past, the spinner said, "During the Challenger Trophy in Nagpur, he bowled one of the best spell of his life. That day, he made MSD struggle while facing the turning and bouncing balls. And when he tried to hit the ball, a turning delivery went through the gates and knocked the bails."

"From then on, MS Dhoni saw me as someone with skill, and the relationship matured," he said.

Ashwin disclosed that MS only bets on horse with potential. He won't use you if he doesn't trust you. But once he finds that you are the right horse, he will look past you only when you feel like giving up."

"That is MS Dhoni. He believes in you," he said.