I was away from cricket journalism for two years during my ban. During these 24 months, I was barred from interviewing any cricketer. And, may I say, I followed every sanction imposed on me in letter and spirit. It was important to write Banned: A social media trial, and tell my story. Now, the book is a bestseller.
Why am I saying this? What’s the significance? The answer is Ravichandran Ashwin.
Rather, my surprising meeting with Ashwin on the flight back after the deferred England-India Test match at Edgbaston in July 2022. I was pleasantly surprised to find Ashwin, one of my favourite players and someone I know really well, in the seat next to me.
I had known Ashwin for years, and he is someone with a mind of his own—a rebel in his own sort of way. He is not just one of the best bowlers India and the world has seen, but also extremely feisty and strong-willed. Anyone who watched him bat in extreme pain at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2021 would know what I am referring to. He speaks his mind and isn’t afraid to be politically incorrect.
In fact, one of the best interviews I had done for RevSportz was with Ashwin, where he opened up on issues of mental health, how he planned his game and what cricket meant to him. With Ashwin, you could always speak your mind without fear of being judged.
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Reliving Ravichandran Ashwin’s childhood: A heartfelt journey of his love for cricket and the unwavering support of his family.@ThumsUpOfficial @ashwinravi99 @BoriaMajumdar #ravichandranashwin #Ashwin #AshwinRetirement pic.twitter.com/JIznJUcRN4
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Soon after we bumped into each other on the flight, he asked how things were with me. ‘I did not want to call you then, for it did not feel or seem right,’ he told me. ‘At times, it is best to just let things be and not ask. That’s the best way with friends. I did not need to call you to tell you I am your friend. We both know it. I know you have the ability to get things right and, over time, you will. You love the sport, and your work speaks. It will be alright.’
Simple words that made a lot of sense. What could he have said to me at the time? A call would only have made things awkward. Ashwin wasn’t a journalist and, for him, I wasn’t a story. I was somebody who was going through a rough time. He wasn’t judging me. He did not know what really happened, nor was he keen on gossip. He thought it best to give me space. I appreciated what he said, and neither of us spoke more about the issue.
After we landed, I was waiting for Trisha Ghosal to join me, for we had a connecting flight to Kolkata. Ashwin was on a flight to Chennai and needed to rush. I was surprised to see him waiting for me at the top of the escalator. He said he had something to say before we parted ways. ‘This will test you, but if you are true to yourself, you will come through it well,’ he said, before wishing me luck.
Certain relationships are not defined by self-interest. My association with Ashwin is one such.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Retires: A Legendary Career of Unmatched Records and Unforgettable Moments