Second test: R Ashwin expresses gratitude, thanks to the 'Chennai knowledgeable crowd' for making him feel like a hero

R Ashwin thanked the Chennai crowd for making him feel like a hero after winning the Man of the Match award for his stellar performance in the second Test against England.

R Ashwin starred in India’s victory in leveling the series at Chennai Test in front of the local crowd. (Courtesy of BCCI / PTI Photo)

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  • R Ashwin dedicated India’s victory in the second test to the Chennai crowd
  • Ashwin Thanks ‘Chennai Informed Crowd’ For Appearing In Numbers In Second Test
  • Ashwin won the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance in the second test.

India’s star spinner R Ashwin expressed his gratitude and thanked the ‘Chennai informed crowd’ for showing up in large numbers and making him feel like a hero during the second Test against England on Tuesday.

Ashwin’s heroics helped India record an emphatic 317-run victory over England at Chepauk Stadium to level the four-game series 1-1. Some 15,000 spectators were allowed into the MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, each day of the second Test Match of the England tour of India.

“I can’t express how I feel right now, but I am so grateful to each and every one who has wished me over the past few days. I would also like to thank #KnowledgableChennaiCrowd for showing up in numbers and making me feel like a hero,” he tweeted Ashwin.

Ashwin won the Man of the Match award for his magnificent eight-wicket run along with a 106-run hit in the second test. He also dedicated the victory of the match to the crowd at the stadium.

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“When I was a kid, I wondered if I would ever play at Chepauk, if people will applaud me here … will I be allowed to be here?” Ashwin said in the post-game presentation..

“When I was eight years old, I came here in these same positions to watch test cricket. My dad brought me here. I have no words to express myself. I have played four test matches here and, easily, this is the most special thing. I have the feeling of a hero.Every time I bowled or took off my cap, it was a different feeling.

“In the time of Covid, these well-informed people came out in large numbers. They did not care at all. Even though they were not wearing masks, they kept clapping and enjoying the game. I will dedicate this victory to the Chennai crowd for what they did. We went down 1-0 because there was no crowd, and we went 1-1 with the crowd. There will be a crowd in Ahmedabad, hopefully we can carry it through. “