The sight of Universe Boss Chris Gayle at the striker's end can be daunting for bowlers worldwide due to his aggressive batting style; however, Ravichandran Ashwin is an exception. Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth remarked that when Ashwin is in his bowling stride, Gayle feels significantly more pressure. During a book launch event in Chennai, Srikkanth noted that while Gayle has the ability to hit any bowler for boundaries, he visibly falters when Ashwin is bowling.

"Chris Gayle can score sixes and fours off anyone, but it only took Ashwin four deliveries to dismiss him. When Ashwin had the ball, Gayle's legs began to tremble," Srikkanth stated.

Ashwin boasts an impressive record against the former West Indies opener, having dismissed Gayle five times in the IPL. In the 64 balls faced from Ashwin, Gayle has managed to score just 53 runs at a modest strike rate of 82.8. Despite being renowned for his six-hitting prowess during his peak, Gayle has only hit Ashwin for three sixes over the past eight years.

‘Dhoni identified Ashwin’: Srikkanth

Srikkanth praised MS Dhoni for recognizing Ashwin's potential and developing him into a versatile bowler capable of excelling in all formats of cricket. He acknowledged Ashwin's remarkable journey from a young cricketer in Tamil Nadu to achieving over 100 Test matches and claiming more than 500 wickets for India.

"Dhoni was the one who recognized him as an exceptional T20 bowler. Ashwin has transitioned impressively from T20 to ODIs and now to Test cricket. He is not only an outstanding bowler but also a formidable batsman," he remarked.

Ashwin is poised to rejoin CSK after a decade, having been acquired for ₹9.75 crore during the mega auction.

Srikkanth referred to Ashwin as the "prodigal son" returning home to CSK in anticipation of the 2025 season.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan reminisced about his first encounter with Ashwin, stating, "When we first met Ashwin, he was playing Ranji for Tamil Nadu in the early 2000s (he made his first-class debut in 2006). I was involved in TNCA administration at that time. We developed a strong friendship during the 2009 IPL in South Africa."

The Chennai Super Kings, five-time IPL champions, will commence their campaign against their long-standing rivals, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), at the Chepauk Stadium on March 23.

Read Also: RB Ramesh Joins Italy as Head Coach for Men's Chess Team

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!