Murugan Ashwin

IND
IND
Murugan Ashwin

Player Bio

‍Born on 8th September 1990 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Murugan Ashwin has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket. With a right-handed batting style and a knack for right-arm leg breaks, he has showcased his prowess as a bowler on numerous occasions. While many might confuse him with the renowned cricketer R. Ashwin due to their shared surname, Murugan Ashwin's journey and achievements in cricket stand distinct and noteworthy.

Early Life and Entry into Cricket

Hailing from Chennai, a city known for producing cricketing legends, Murugan's passion for the sport was evident from a young age. His early years were nurtured at the cricket academy run by CS Suresh Kumar, a former Tamil Nadu batsman. This foundational training played a pivotal role in shaping his cricketing techniques and understanding of the game.

His dedication and hard work soon bore fruit when he made a mark in the state's Under-23 side. Not just limited to state-level cricket, Ashwin also had the privilege of being a net bowler for the Chennai Super Kings, one of the most celebrated teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This exposure to high-quality cricket and interaction with international players provided him with invaluable experience and insights.

Rise in the Domestic Circuit

Murugan Ashwin's domestic career took off when he made his List A debut on 11th December 2015 in the 2015–16 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His entry into the Twenty20 format was marked by his debut on 2nd January 2016 in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. These initial matches showcased his potential and set the stage for his future endeavours.

His performance in the 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was particularly impressive. He emerged as Tamil Nadu's second-highest wicket-taker, bagging 10 wickets. This feat was not just a testament to his skill but also a reflection of his commitment to the sport. His impressive economy rate of 5.52 in the T20 tournament further solidified his reputation as a reliable bowler.

Such performances did not go unnoticed. A month after his commendable stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he secured a contract with the Rising Pune Supergiants for a whopping INR 4.5 crores, a significant leap from his base price of INR 10 lakhs. This transition from the domestic circuit to the IPL was a significant milestone in his career, opening doors to numerous opportunities and challenges.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Journey

Murugan Ashwin's journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to his talent and adaptability. His IPL saga began when he was acquired by the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016 for a staggering INR 4.5 crores, a significant leap from his base price of INR 10 lakhs. This acquisition came on the back of his impressive performance in the 2015-16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he emerged as Tamil Nadu's second-highest wicket-taker.

In the subsequent years, Ashwin's prowess with the ball caught the attention of several franchises. In 2017, he was signed by the Delhi Daredevils, followed by a stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018. His journey continued with the Kings XI Punjab from 2019 to 2021, and in 2022, he was roped in by the Mumbai Indians. Throughout these years, Ashwin showcased his ability to bowl tight spells and pick up crucial wickets, making him a valuable asset for any team.

International Career

While Murugan Ashwin's domestic and IPL performances have been noteworthy, his international career is still in its nascent stages. As of now, he hasn't made his debut for the Indian national team. However, given his consistent performances in the domestic circuit and the IPL, it wouldn't be a surprise if he dons the blue jersey in the near future.

Notable Achievements and Statistics

Murugan Ashwin's cricketing journey is adorned with several notable achievements:

Domestic Debut: Ashwin made his mark in the domestic circuit with his List A debut in the 2015–16 Vijay Hazare Trophy and his T20 debut in the 2015–16 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

IPL Acquisitions: Over the years, Ashwin has been a part of several IPL franchises, showcasing his adaptability and skills in different team environments.

Economy Rate: In the T20 format, Ashwin boasts an impressive economy rate of 5.52, which played a crucial role in securing him a spot with the Rising Pune Supergiants.

Wicket-Taking Ability: In the T20s, Ashwin has taken 94 wickets with a best bowling figure of 3/8. His ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures has been a highlight of his career.

Batting Prowess: While primarily known for his bowling, Ashwin has also contributed with the bat, scoring a top score of 34* in T20s.

Personal Insights and Lesser-Known Facts

Murugan Ashwin, a name that has become synonymous with dedication and skill in the cricketing world, has more to his story than just his on-field performances. Here are some personal insights and lesser-known facts about this talented cricketer:

Chennai Roots: Born on 8th September 1990, Ashwin hails from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The city, known for its rich cricketing heritage, has been the nurturing ground for many cricketing legends, and Ashwin is no exception.

Academic Pursuits: While details about his educational background are scarce, it's evident that balancing academics and a budding cricket career would have been a challenge, a testament to his determination and focus.

Not Just IPL: While Ashwin's IPL journey is well-documented, he has also been a part of other domestic teams. He has played for the Salem Spartans and even captained the side, showcasing his leadership skills.

Net Bowler for CSK: Before making a mark in the IPL, Ashwin spent his early years as a net bowler for the Chennai Super Kings. This experience provided him with a unique opportunity to bowl to some of the best in the business, further honing his skills.

Distinct from R. Ashwin: It's easy to confuse him with the renowned Indian cricketer R. Ashwin due to their shared surname and similar bowling style. However, the two are not related, and each has carved a unique path in the world of cricket.

Murugan Ashwin's journey in the world of cricket is a blend of talent, hard work, and perseverance. From his early days in Chennai to making a mark in the IPL and the domestic circuit, his story is an inspiration for many budding cricketers. His achievements on the field are commendable, but it's the lesser-known facets of his life that add depth to his character. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans and followers can only expect more stellar performances and milestones in the future.

FAQs
Where was Murugan Ashwin born?
Ashwin was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on 8th September 1990.
Is Murugan Ashwin related to R. Ashwin?
No, Murugan Ashwin and R. Ashwin are not related, although they share the same surname.
Which IPL teams has Murugan Ashwin played for?
Ashwin has played for several IPL teams, including Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Mumbai Indians.
What is Murugan Ashwin's primary role in cricket?
Ashwin is primarily known for his right-arm leg break bowling.
Has Murugan Ashwin played for the Indian national team?
As of now, Murugan Ashwin has not made his debut for the Indian national team.