It happened during the fielding practice ahead of Tamil Nadu’s third Ranji match – I had just returned to the nets after writing a couple of exams. It was the last catch of the day, and as soon as the ball impacted my wrist, I knew something was terribly wrong. I’d fallen down, and could not put any weight on my left hand to balance myself and get up. At that moment, I didn’t want to tell anyone, not even my parents. I just wanted to get an X-ray done and hoped to find out that everything was all right.
Everything was not all right. In 21 years of my life, I had never had a single fracture, and now when I was playing probably the best cricket I ever have, it just had to happen on my left wrist. I know injuries are a part and parcel of any sportsman’s life so I don’t want to moan about it. But the timing of it is crucial in my case. Just before that, we had had a pretty strong team meeting – I won’t say it was angry, but it was charged up. The coach [WV Raman] had a few things to say to us about how make things happen instead of waiting for them to happen. Overall, there was disappointment in the team at some of our performances and I found that meeting really inspirational.
There was a day when rains ruined practice and Badri [S Badrinath, the Tamil Nadu captain], myself and the coach [Raman] were working indoors and we spent a lot of time talking about what went wrong, what each of us could do, and I was really pumped up at the chance to do something.
I know I’m not exactly one of the seniors in the team, but I felt like it was up to me to take on some more responsibility. There are many people who believe in me and have backed me. I owe it to them - and not just to myself - to succeed when I step onto the field. That’s why, when the injury happened, my first response to Raman was, “Sir, I’m sorry this happened.” He, of course, is an experienced cricketer and explained to me that these things happened and that there was nothing one could do about them. When the time is right and I am fully fit, I’d be a part of the action once again, he told me.
Even though I was in severe pain, I didn’t want to rule myself out. It was only when the X-rays showed that it was a proper fracture that I sort of broke down. I’ve felt really down since the injury, and it even felt to me that I had nothing to look forward to until I got fit. When the doctors said it would be about four weeks before I was fully fit, I felt like I’d lost four weeks of my life.
But then I resolved not to take things too negatively, and instead use my studies as a diversion. Already, the left wrist is healing well and I can do most normal things – batting and fielding are strictly prohibited – and this has lifted my mood.
Now, instead of thinking about the injury and the cricket I am missing, I’m trying to focus on what needs to be done when I come back. I know I have to ease myself back in, and that the most important thing to ensure is that a similar injury does not recur. And when I’m back I want to make a telling contribution. It’s not just about playing and taking wickets, but I have to make an impact on the game in a way that is meaningful for my team.
I guess I am feeling so low, because this was the first time after I began playing cricket that I’ve missed out. When I was playing Under-14s I had a bit of a problem with a pelvic slip disc. That left me bed-ridden for about six weeks. I couldn’t even move around then, but it didn’t feel as bad as this. Right now, all I can think about is when I’ll be playing again.
Comments
Posted by: mohan ram at November 28, 2007 8:06 PM
hi there,
to start off,hats off to ashwin for his performances..i wish him more success for many more years to come...having had the chance to represent tamil nadu u-14 as a legspinner in the year 1997 and having played alongside some quality cricketers like badrinath,vasu,vijay,ramkumar and vasanth saravanan ,i am no new to the rising young stars in the tamil nadu lineup..to be frank it took me by surprise when ashwin was dominating with the ball more than the bat, for having seen him play some good innings during the few years of professional cricket i enjoyed..now i am sure with his superb ability with the ball, to improve match after match,he should be contributing more with the bat for seasons to come for the kind of talent he has and aim to contribute as a genuine allrounder ..wish u all the best ashwin and a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Miten Davda at November 28, 2007 8:26 PM
It's inspiring to see someone who doesn't take playing the game for granted. It is these things that make you mentally tougher for what lies ahead. Use the time to mentally prepare yourself to come out of the gates even stronger and more determined than before. Best Wishes.
Posted by: Monish at November 28, 2007 9:29 PM
R Ashwin, I wish you a speedy recovery and a fruitful season when you get back into the action. You're demonstrating good maturity for your age in this situation. I endured massive back pains due to a faulty mixed fast bowling action right about your age and never really recovered from that. I had to either give up cricket or risk permanent damage to my back and I chose the former.
You ofcourse will recover and with that attitude you will go far. Good luck once again.
Posted by: Pritam Singh at November 28, 2007 9:45 PM
Dear Ashwin,
Please dont be disheartened as Injuries are shadows of any cricketer. You have to remain upbeat and remember Sir Ian Bothom took a wicket from his first ball after 2 years in limbo, You gonna be out for a month or so. Just watch some videos of Murali, try to find how he is able to give so many revolutions to the red cherry, that will be a good time pass. I'm sure by the time india are done their time down under you'll be up there for national contention. So cheer up my frnd,all the best.
Posted by: PG at November 29, 2007 3:37 AM
Dude, I know exactly how you feel. I am in a similar situation. Although I do not play professional cricket, I simply love the game too much. Since I am now settled in Singapore, I made it a point to play in the Singapore league (equal to Ranji trophy). I also received the best bowler award last season...but at the begining of the current season, I dived to save a boundary and broke my shoulder bone. My initial reaction was same as urs...to get on with it, but after a couple of minutes I realised that I could no longer lift my left hand. When the other players saw me, they immediately said that something is seriously wrong and that I should go for X-rays...which revealed that I had not only dislocated my shoulder bone, but had also broken it...and it required surgery. I now have a metal plate implated in me and have been out of action for the past 4 months...on active physiotherapy, and with no chances of playing even in the next season...! Talk about killer blows!!!
Posted by: Ramkumar R at November 29, 2007 5:16 AM
Dear Ashwin, it is a pity that you were not selected for the Challengers trophy. I dont believe you are not one of of the top 40 cricketers in India. You should have been in any of the teams based on last season's performances. So was the case of M Vijay. You two should have been included in the NKP trophy. Rather, we saw Rahane and Abdullah playing in the tournament who had hardly played any Ranji cricket.
Posted by: Naval Patel at November 29, 2007 5:50 AM
I commiserate with you, Ashwin. In keeping with your realistic response, please be sure to be very sincere with all the physiotherapy that will be necessary after the wrist immobilisation is removed. I too broke both the bones in my left wrist in a fall, which required surgical insertion of metal plates to remedy. Even after three months of physiotherapy the wrist was almost fully mobile but nowhere near proper strength. I persisted with the exercises and after about an year it became quite normal; now I just forget it was ever damaged. So very good fortune be with you through your career.
Posted by: Kishor at November 29, 2007 6:07 AM
Dear Ashwin,
You have done a great job in your budding career.Hats off to you for showing a great sense of maturity at this age. Four weeks is not a long time when you consider the 15-16 years of cricketing career of a person nowadays. You can spend the quality time by reading books on cricket history and watching the videos of past greats. This can really help you in understanding how the game was played and being played at the top level. I wish that this break will help you in analysing your game and find ways to take it to the next level.
Posted by: Rajesh NJ at November 29, 2007 6:08 AM
I know how you feel because in the past I myself has been down with Disc Slips and ankle problems and what not ....... Get well soon but don't rush it .... The more time you take now to rehabilitate yourself, the better it would be for you in the long run. Good Luck ! Cheers !! -- RAJESH
Posted by: gman at November 29, 2007 6:42 AM
Dear Aswin,
I thought that this is the situation to prove you as an challenger which will lead you to become a champion. I see your cricket stats recent times for Tamilnadu and there are wonderful. I am fully satisfied with your performance. So always my eyes go to search in the scoreboard to find your performance. But in the recent match against Karnataka, I did not find you name. I was quite a bit upset. But when I read this article I am feeling very bad. Because being a cricket player I can feel the things going around you. I found the statement “impact on the game in a way that is meaningful for my team” in your article that encouraged me to write more. This is what we need from the each and every player of our Team with focused concentration on each ball. That means play (bat / bowl / field) each ball on your own strength to make an impact which will really help you to improve your game. I believe and pray for you as everything will on your target at the earliest. I hope to see you in Indian colors.
Regarding your injury and mental strength just look at my career. I am RH fast bowing (athletic) all-rounder played for my collage and winners of the south zone year 2000. When we went to play for interstate match (TN-Pondi) we are informed that our schedule was wrong and match was scratched previous night. I am crazy in cricket and I will die for cricket. That was reduced my chances to play in India because due to my family situation I am in Saudi and playing for my Company (TCC) team. Every time during my vacation I am looking for the opportunity to play for local match at first division. Due to this I am unable to concentrate on rest of the things. I am crazy and ready to do anything to make my team on winning track. 2 years ago when I play a local match, I took a diving catch even though a ground is not good where I got injured in my right hand L-bow, hip and right knee. Even though it was my Right hand L-Bow badly injured, I just rolled a cloth in my hand and started playing cricket. I am good spinner in left hand where I used to practice that with my previous injuries. You know I bowled with my left arm spin to take two wickets, involved in a run-out, two catches and 28 runs at opening.
Later I felt more pain and came to our company clinic. Doctor advised me to for 4 stitching. I am scare and I denied. But doctor said if you do so then it will be healed in a week and you can play soon. There is no more negotiation from my said and continued his work. Now I am playing my local cricket in professional way.
The thing is please do not let your confidence to go down whether you are injured, International Cricket or local cricket, please match yourself with them and put your best impact on the game in the favor of your team. You can do this Aswin and please spread your among our Tamilnadu team and carry it when you play for our Indian Team too. Aswin you can and you can perform. My best wishes for your hard efforts and performances. Finally a long letter for your long cricket career in India comes to end and will cont...
Anbudan,
G.M.Arun
Posted by: Isaac at November 29, 2007 7:51 AM
Ashwin, it’s nice to see a pro cricketer mixing and managing education. I am a keen follower of TN cricket from time I can remember. I am currently working in Afghanistan but will never fail to miss a game of Tamil Nadu. It’s also a beautiful feature of crickets from south India who give keen importance to education at the same time give everything to cricket. Kumble, Dravid etc as a few good examples. You guys are the best thing to happen to Cricket and be role models to young fellas who want to take up cricket. I have no doubts in your cricketing exploits. I was really hoping you could get 40+ wickets this season and prove a point. I was happy you were among wickets in the first game. With age on your side I am sure you will be able to work wonders and I hope to see you in India colors in the near future. I hope you will be a beacon of TN cricket with Badrinath and Karthik. We hope to see more of you and don't loose heart. As you rightly mentioned injury is a part and parcel of a sports person's life. Take it easy man.
Posted by: SR GOPAL at November 29, 2007 8:29 AM
Dear Ashwin,It is better that the injury happened now rather than later. India needs a good off spinning all rounder. In times to come, hope you fill in.
Posted by: Vijay at November 29, 2007 8:40 AM
Hi Aswin-Best Wishes for a speedy recovery & good Luck for the matches ahead. I hope the TN team makes it to the Ranji SEmis-tough but not impossible.
Cheers
Posted by: Sridhar Kalyan at November 29, 2007 9:35 AM
Hi Ashwin, good to see a positive note in your excellent article!! Even better is your values for Education, and your keenness to continue with it even while playing at the top level. We are many, who have been following your career with tons of interest and behind you with all our prayers for your speedy recovery and a great cricketing career beyond that. Please remind yourself to maintain this temperament - for ever. Talent + Temperament is a rare combination but is just the recipe for greatness. You are already showing us what you have in these qualities.
Good luck to you, young man.
Sridhar Kalyan, Lagos, Nigeria.
Posted by: Karthik at November 29, 2007 9:59 AM
Hi ashwin
Wsih you a speedy recovery from Injury. Hope TN can win coming matches and qaulify for knockout stage of Ranji
Posted by: dr nangaswaami at November 29, 2007 10:07 AM
hats off to as guy...........kool dude and outclass performance/...........
Posted by: Samy at November 29, 2007 10:44 AM
Ashwin, your attitude is admirable. The injury could be frustrating for you, as you were doing quite well. But I'm sure in no time you will be playing for TN again. Just make show you get proper rest, and learn to enjoy your break. Best of luck for your studies and hope you recover soon.
Posted by: GV Ramani at November 29, 2007 12:30 PM
Dear Ashwin,
Injuries, as you rightly said are part and parcel of sportsmen, but I think your eagerness to participate and perform for the state, which is in the re-building state, makes you to worry a lot. But Worrying will not help in recovering fast. BE POSITIVE. PLAN SYSTEMATICALLY.BE FOCUSSED. AND LASTLY LEAVE IT TO GOD. YOU WILL COME BACK STRONGLY AND PERFORM BETTER.
'When the going gets tough, the tough gets the going'
WISH YOU THE BEST.
Posted by: S.R.Iyer at November 29, 2007 12:46 PM
Dear Ashwin Sir I had seen you at Ahedabad during the T20 against adhya pradesh. Dont worry. u will get well soon & don India flannels at the earliest
Posted by: Vivek at November 29, 2007 3:13 PM
I can understand....I play cricket or used to play for my employers. Last year, I had run into a rich vein of form but got knocked down by a drunk driver and ironically on my 24th birthday. Its been a year since that had happened and I am totally out of shape....medically fit but now my ribs still hurt and I am scared to exert myself physically though I can...I can understand the pain and angst of a player when he gets injured. This will pass.
Posted by: Scientist S.R. SHANKAR at November 29, 2007 3:52 PM
Dear Ashwin, it is unfortunate to be injured just at the start of season particularly when you have a decent run with the ball and bat in both the matches. Do remember that you carry wishes for a speedy recovery from a number of followers like me
We are sure you would recover and perform with double the vigour as in last season; Use the time to play the game mentally; soon you will be a spinning all rounder knocking the doors of Indian cricket
Posted by: P S Ashok at November 29, 2007 5:57 PM
Ashwin. Never lose heart. Injuries are part and parcel of life. It is not specific to sports alone. I am sure this injury must have strengthened your resolve to perform at your best when you are back. Every thing happens for good. Let's take this as a chance for you to test yourself on how you handle a tough situation. Don't feel anxious or tense. You have a long and excellent cricketing career in front of you and you will need to handle these situations maturely.
Tamilnadu's performance has improved significantly in the last match and your return in a few weeks time will help them further. Till then concentrate on studies and try to enjoy the enforced break from cricket. May be you can work out a mystery ball in this period which would bamboozle batsmen when you're back.
Again excellent 'Straight from the heart' article. Keep going man. You are a great gift to Tamilnadu cricket and in a few years time the Indian colours should be yours if things go in the right way. I'm sure about this as I am not the only person who thinks so. Wishing you an early recovery.
Posted by: Paalu Manimaran at November 29, 2007 11:19 PM
It is really a sad news Ashwin.
Hope you recover fast and assist the Tamil Nadu Ranji team again, which seems to be gelling well from last match.
Last week I met M. Venkatramana, former Indian offspinner and present Singapore cricket team Coach, accidentally in an MRT ( Mass Rapid Transist ) train in Singapore. When we had a short chat, my mind was thinking about you and why you were not in TN team for the last Ranji Trophy match.
Now we all know the answers. Hope, with the support of your parents and doctors, you can recover at least a week earlier.
Posted by: peebs at November 30, 2007 12:18 AM
Hi Ashwin,
Tough Luck. I believe you have already shown your quality in this Ranji season. However, you will be at the peak of your powers and ready for selection in 2 more seasons, so as far as injuries go, this is not the worst time. I believe you have great potential as an allrounder and I think you can think/plan about your batting during this unforeseen break.
Maybe you can play Cricket 2007 on your computer. It might help you figure out th best strokes for every length.
The best is yet to come.
Posted by: Rajan at November 30, 2007 11:02 AM
Ashwin,
I wish u a quick and full recovery. Dont worry. ur wrist will be as strong as steel if u allow it the normal process of healing and dont rush things up.
By the way, the team fared well, with a new boy shining with a superb hundred and Ramkumar supporting with bat and Ball.
Posted by: BMK at December 1, 2007 8:47 AM
Ashwin,Get well soon. Hope you play for India as soon as possible.
-- A junior of yours at college
Posted by: Kumaresh at December 1, 2007 9:48 AM
Hi Ashwin, Sorry to hear that you are injured da - Hope you are back soon. I seriously thought you merited a place in the Challenger Trophy and in the India A teams.. Hope it comes up soon! Keep performing. Btw, I know you well and have seen you play at PSBB :-)
Posted by: Jagadeesh at December 2, 2007 6:17 AM
Hi Ashwin,
i m keen follower of Tn matches, i m really sad to see ,none of our state players are in the playing eleven of Indian team most of the times. But i know there is lot of politics is involved in picking the team for india.once our TN team continues to win Ranji and other domestic finalls,sure they cant ignore top performers of our state,Really Tn needs to win ranji title to put a shame on the mumbai lobby,pls do it da and convey my message to TN mates,sure we have the potential,Tn s have wonderful mindset ,look Anand(chess for inspiration) and Sreekanth who devastated the best pace attacks,a tamilian -sreekanth did 20 years back and venkat got best of the wickets in international matches,why cant u do,why u people need to worry about the names of mumbai ,bangel and baroda. You people have to think about TN as international team and devastate other state teams, Think about u r superior players.you were never less than Mumbai or delhi player,prove it to shame the selectors for ignoring the talent in TN.How come they ignore Vijay,Devendren and Ashwin ,Tamil kumaran for 40 propables of challenger. really we needs to win the Ranji,Believe in yourself,we the tamilians always support the TN team,but we need the TN players to believe in themselves . All the best :)
Posted by: Jagadeesh at December 2, 2007 6:25 AM
Ashwin,
Really sad to see our pace attack is weak,what happened to jesuraj?what was the politics of dropping this lad,MRF pace foundation cant produce one genuine pace bowler for us from TN ?
Posted by: Krishna_Sydney at December 10, 2007 8:45 PM
Ashwin, Closely following your progress and Badri's. You are TN's best hopes , and hope fairness plays out and both of you represent India as regulars soon. Wish you a speedy recovery
Krish
Posted by: jadeboy at December 15, 2007 11:25 AM
Dear Ashwin: It has been a while since TN produced a quality cricketer who could hold his place in the national team for a while. I see in you the potential to place TN back on the national cricketing map (Dinesh Karthik does not qualify in my scheme of things).
Get well soon and all the very best.
Jade
Posted by: navin ramakrishnan at December 16, 2007 3:53 PM
Dear Ashwin, It is a good to see you use studies as an outlet to cope with the injury related inactivity. Wish you a speedy recovery and lots of wickets. Heed medical advise and spend enough time in rehabilitation of the wrist. I am sure your hunger for wickets and desire to perform will take you to great heights! Good luck!!!!
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The Contributors
Sanjay Bangar has twice been a member of Ranji-winning Railways sides. He has also played 12 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, scoring one Test century and three half-centuries. This is his 15th first-class season.
Paras Mhambrey represented India in two Tests and three ODIs in the mid-nineties. He played for Mumbai, with whom he won the Ranji Trophy five times. He ended up with 284 first-class wickets from 91 matches. After retiring as a player, he coached Bengal to two Ranji finals in a row, and is coaching Baroda this season.
A tall Tamil Nadu offspinner who bowls with a high-arm action and is studying to be an engineer, R Ashwin has some uncanny similarities with S Venkataraghavan, but for the moment the comparison should end there. Ashwin (21) is taking his first steps in Ranji Trophy cricket. Already, though, he's had one strong season, leading the wickets tally for Tamil Nadu with 31 scalps at under 20.
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