Chennai street to be renamed after R Ashwin: Report
What's the story
In a bid to honor former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has decided to rename a street after him.
The proposal was made by the Carrom Ball Event and Marketing Company Private Limited, a firm owned by Ashwin himself.
As per Times of India, the GCC has accepted the proposal and selected Ramakrishnapuram 1st Street in West Mambalam, where Ashwin currently resides, for renaming.
Here are further details.
Ceremony details
Official renaming ceremony to be scheduled soon
As per the report, an official ceremony to rename Ramakrishnapuram 1st Street to 'Ravichandran Ashwin Street' is yet to be scheduled.
This honor places Ashwin alongside legends like PR Sreejesh and Anil Kumble, who also have streets named after them in their hometowns.
The decision was made during a council meeting led by Mayor R. Priya for Budget 2025.
Career highlights
Ashwin's cricketing journey and contributions
A native of Chennai, Ashwin has had a phenomenal career in cricket.
He is known for his unique bowling techniques and match-winning performances.
Though he retired from international cricket, he will feature in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings.
Ashwin's impressive international stats include 765 wickets in international cricket, making him India's second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 scalps.
Coaching
Ashwin's role in nurturing young talent
Beyond his playing career, Ashwin is also dedicated to nurturing young cricketing talent in Chennai.
He is a coach for children from Greater Chennai Corporation schools.
The initiative showcases his love for the sport and his desire to give back to the community that has supported him all through his successful career.
Gift
Ashwin gifts CSK jersey to chess world champion D Gukesh
The former Indian cricketer recently had a memorable encounter with the world's youngest chess champion, D Gukesh, at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The meeting was even more special as Ashwin marked his return to CSK in IPL 2025 after a nine-year gap since 2015.
During their meeting, Ashwin gifted Gukesh a CSK jersey with 'Gukesh' printed on the back. They played a friendly game of chess, and Ashwin signed the board as a keepsake.
Retirement
India's most successful off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retires from international cricket
In a surprising turn of events, the off-spinner announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Border-Gavsakar Trophy on December 18, 2024.
The star spinner had made the official announcement in a post-match press conference.
Over the years, Ashwin emerged as India's most successful off-spinner in Tests and international cricket.
Overall, Ashwin played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for Team India. He also scored over 3,500 runs with the bat, including six tons.