RAVICHANDRAN Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, apart from been world’s best spinner, was also a benevolent person when it came to helping young cricketers. Apart from giving valuable tips to the youngsters, Ashwin makes it a point to see the budding cricketers of the country are not short of anything. Among hundreds of spinners, Vidarbha spinner Harsh Dubey is one of the ‘students’ of Ashwin who got the former’s help in getting sports manufacturing company SG’s contract. Recalling those days, Vidarbha’s premier spinner Dubey said it was only because of Ashwin, he got the deal signed with SG. “It was because of him I still have an SG contract. He had helped me in getting one in 2021 when I was playing club cricket in Chennai,” Dubey told ‘The Hitavada’ on Wednesday. “I was without any contract.

 

When he came to know, he called one of his acquaintances and helped me in get one. “Once I was sitting in the dressing room during a match in Chennai when Ashwin sir inquired about me. When he came to know that I was playing for his side, he himself came and talked with me,” said Dubey. It’s no hidden truth that Ashwin is bank of cricketing knowledge and Dubey is one such lucky ‘student’ to get some words of wisdom from India’s one of the greatest spinners. “He has a wealth of knowledge. He is very passionate about cricket. He very keenly watches even club matches. I had a few brief interactions with him during my Chennai stint. His minute observations and corrections in my bowling as well as batting has helped me a lot. Even today, I am benefiting from those tips,” stated Dubey who is Vidarbha’s leading wickettaker this Ranji season with 37 scalps. When asked whether he messaged Ashwin after his retirement, Dubey said, “Yes ofcourse. I have texted him as well as his closests friend. Today he would be receiving thousands of messages from his team-mates and friends world over. Mine would have been buried somewhere in his mobile. But I am sure he would reply. I will stay in touch with him and will seek his valuable advice,” he concluded. Ashwin had a special place for Nagpur as it was at the Jamtha Stadium where he took his 300th Test wicket against Sri Lanka in 2017. His 300th victim was Lahiru Gamage, who was bowled by a doosra from the Indian spinner.