Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the most accomplished cricketers in the history of the game, is set to unveil his autobiography titled ‘I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story’ on June 10, 2024. Co-authored with acclaimed writer Sidharth Monga, this book promises to take readers on a captivating journey through Ashwin’s life and times before he became a professional cricketer.
A Cricketing Titan
At the age of 37, Ashwin has etched his name among the greats of the game, with an impressive tally of 744 international wickets and over 4,000 runs. His debut for India came in June 2010 against Sri Lanka in an ODI Tri-series featuring Zimbabwe.
In the Test arena, Ashwin’s prowess is undeniable, as he ranks ninth all-time and fifth among spinners with a staggering 516 wickets in 100 games. His achievements extend beyond individual milestones, as he has been an integral part of India’s title-winning teams in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
A Legend in the IPL
Ashwin’s impact on the game transcends international cricket. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he is hailed as a legend, with 180 wickets in 212 games, making him the joint-fifth all-time highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinch their first two titles in 2010 and 2011.
Moreover, Ashwin holds the distinction of being the fastest to 300 Test wickets (innings-wise) and has won an incredible 10 Player of the Series awards in the red-ball format, the highest by an Indian cricketer and second-most overall.
Inspiring the Next Generation
In his autobiography, Ashwin hopes to inspire budding cricketers by sharing his childhood struggles, including health issues and the unwavering support of his family. Publishers Penguin Random House India (PRHI) have expressed excitement about the book, highlighting its potential to offer valuable insights into Ashwin’s remarkable journey.
A Fitting Tribute to a Cricketing Icon
As Ashwin prepares to unveil his autobiography, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the opportunity to delve into the life and mind of one of the game’s true icons. ‘I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story’ promises to be a fitting tribute to Ashwin’s extraordinary career and a must-read for cricket enthusiasts of all ages.