Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spinner for Team India, recently shared an intriguing story about the unique bond between Rajinikanth’s movies and fans of MS Dhoni. He disclosed that Chennai supporters in the Indian Premier League (IPL) cleverly incorporate elements from Rajinikanth’s films, such as background music, to express their admiration and support for Dhoni.
Ashwin is currently representing the Indian squad in the ongoing World Cup being held in India. The Indian team’s first match will be against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. If selected, Ashwin will have the opportunity to play on his home ground.
The off-spinner opened up on some Tamil local lingos to learn in Chennai in a video uploaded on bcci.tv. He chose “Semma Gaaji”, “Marana Mass”, and “Vera Maari”. Extending on the second term, he exposed the Dhoni-Rajinikanth connection and stated:
“Marana Mass is synchronized with Thalaivar Rajinikanth. They definitely brought it into cricket. Whatever Rajinikanth’s movies and great BGMs are, the immediate next year, they will put it for MS Dhoni. Marana Mass is something out of league, something that is beyond normal.”
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin also chose beaches, local tea stores, and the Sathyam theatre as three must-see attractions in Chennai. When asked to recommend three dishes to try in the city, he suggested masala dosa, elaneer payasam, and pongal.
Ashwin’s first ever ambition as a young boy to play at Chepauk
In the video, Ashwin also recounted his childhood in Chennai, stating that his childhood desire was to play one match at the famous Chepauk stadium.
Going back in time, the 37-year-old said:
“For everybody, their birthplace is very special. Chennai is my birthplace, but most importantly, my career and everything that I have done in my life thus far has been around cricket. Largely, Chennai’s eating outlets nearby cricket grounds, the tea stalls, the tennis ball grounds, the beach – all these things have formed a major part of my life.”
“My first ever ambition as a young cricketer was to play one game at his very special ground in Chepauk. My first memories of coming to Chepauk was when my father brought me here for the 1991-92 [1993] India vs England Test match. From thereon to having played matches here, picking up 10-fers here, having a standing ovation, getting a hundred and a five-wicket haul in the same game, held me in very special stead. Some great memories,”
Ravichandran Ashwin
After Axar Patel was ruled out due to injury, the experienced off-spinner was nominated to Team India’s 15-man World Cup roster for 2023.