Sun Sep 22 10:50:45 UTC 2024: ## Ashwin’s Century and Six-Wicket Haul Overshadowed by Birthday Blues
Chennai, India: Ravichandran Ashwin, the star of India’s resounding victory against Bangladesh in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, revealed a surprising reason for his subdued celebrations. Despite a remarkable performance, scoring a century and claiming a six-wicket haul in the same match, Ashwin was disheartened by the lack of birthday gifts.
The veteran all-rounder, who turned 38 on September 17, was visibly disappointed when asked about his birthday by commentator Harsha Bhogle. “Nobody gave me any presents, so I gave it to myself,” Ashwin quipped, referencing his exceptional performance on the field.
His self-gifted present was truly a spectacle. Ashwin’s 113-run knock came after the majority of India’s top order had been dismissed. He, along with Ravindra Jadeja, stabilized the innings and guided India towards a respectable total.
His bowling performance was even more dominant. Ashwin picked up six wickets in the second innings, delivering 21 overs and conceding 88 runs. His performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
While the lack of gifts may have left Ashwin a tad melancholic, his performance on the field surely made for a memorable birthday. His century and six-wicket haul proved to be a significant contribution to India’s victory and a testament to his exceptional skills as a complete cricketer.
First Piper 