Ravichandran Ashwin reveals how his wife's funny inquiry triggered age banter with Rohit Sharma

Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin shared a humorous exchange with captain Rohit Sharma during the first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The seasoned off-spinner played a key role in India's dominant 280-run win over Bangladesh with a record ton and six-wicket haul in the first Test, proving that age is just a number.

After Team India took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh on Sunday (September 22), Ravichandran Ashwin recounted a funny moment sparked by his wife, Prithi Narayanan, while they were watching highlights from a Duleep Trophy 2024 game.

Ravichandran Ashwin opens up about lighthearted moment with Rohit Sharma after Chennai Test

Prithi's tongue-in-cheek comment about the younger off-spinners possibly hoping for Ravichandran Ashwin to retire sent him into a playful banter with Rohit. This exchange highlighted how both Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, despite being senior players in the Indian team, continue to be vital contributors for them.

Ravichandran Ashwin reflected on how he realized he had been in the game long enough to be considered a veteran, comparing his earlier days when he also wondered about his place in the squad. This self-awareness, mixed with humor, made for an entertaining discussion between the two stalwarts.

With Ashwin turning 38 and Rohit approaching his 38th birthday, the duo is embracing their status as senior figures in the Indian cricket team. As Ashwin awaits Rohit’s birthday to share a fleeting moment of being the same age, their stellar performance and lively personality win hearts.

I am waiting for Rohit Sharma's birthday: Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “We were watching some highlights the day before yesterday. My wife told me something: 'These off-spinners, won't they be abusing you in their minds while bowling?' I wondered why and realized they must be thinking, 'When will he leave for us to get a break?'.

Suddenly, I felt a little off. I realized, yes, I am in that phase now. Even when we were young, we used to wonder about our place in the side. Everybody does it. When I look at it now, it brings me to reality. I make you realize you have played for a lot of years.”

Ashwin further noted, “I saw a graphic on the official broadcasting channel. They had put a year-wise breakdown, and it ended with number 38. I am alone in that club. Then suddenly I saw Rohit; he was passing by. I asked him, 'When is your birthday?'. He said it was coming. I am waiting for his birthday. Then we will be of the same age for some time.”

Notably, Ashwin won the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution to India’s big win over Bangladesh in the Chennai Test. He is now second only to Ian Botham for scoring a century and taking five wickets in the same Test.

The Indian off-spinner achieved this feat four times in Test cricket. He will be next seen in action in the second and final Test against Bangladesh, starting on September 27 in Kanpur.