India's scion legend Ravichandran Ashwin has won high praise after being named in the list of 139 deserving people for the prestigious Padma Shri award. Ashwin was felicitated from across the country for this memorable occasion.
Former India cricketer S Badrinath was one of them as he quickly took to social media to congratulate the former India cricketer. However, the post turned out to be an embarrassment for Badrinath as he was tutored by former Indian cricketer WV Raman.
S Badrinath learns a lesson from WV Raman
In his post, S Badrinath called Ravichandran Ashwin the first cricketer from Tamil Nadu to receive the Padma Shri and called him a role model for the upcoming generation.
“First cricketer from TN to receive a Padma Shri. Can't ask for a better role model for any youngster, feeling proud, truly deserved @ashwinravi99,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
However, former WV Raman was quick to spot the mistake as he claimed that Ashwin is not the first cricketer from the state to receive the Padma Shri. Raman pointed out that Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, India's legendary spinner, received the Padma Shri before Ashwin.
“(Srinivasaraghavan) Venkatraghavan is TN's first cricketer to receive Padma Shri in 2003!” Raman replied to Badrinath's post on X.
Venkatraghavan is the first cricketer from TN to receive Padma Shri in 2003! https://t.co/eRzj2EuRnb
— WV Raman (@wvraman) January 25, 2025
S Badrinath further thanked WV Raman for the clarification but the latter took another dig at the former CSK batsman. Raman claimed that Badrinath was too young in 2003 to know about Venkataraghavan's Padma Shri award.
Four athletes and a para-athletics coach were included in the list of 139 people who were conferred with the prestigious award on the eve of India's Republic Day. Former Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been awarded the Padma Bhushan.
No no..Not ignorance as I pointed out in the thread you would have been too young in 2003 to register that Venky was given the Padma Shri..
— WV Raman (@wvraman) January 26, 2025
Ravichandran Ashwin's incredible Test career
Ravichandran Ashwin retired from all forms of cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Ashwin announced his retirement after the third Test of the series at the Gabba which ended in a draw.
His decision came as a shock to many as it was unexpected. However, Ashwin retired as one of the game's greatest with 537 wickets in 106 Tests at an average of 24. He finished as India's second most successful spinner in Tests after Anil Kumble.
Ashwin is also second on the list of most five-wicket hauls in Tests. He has taken 37 five-wicket hauls and is just behind Muttiah Muralidaran. Ashwin also has the most common no. of Player of the Series awards (11).
Ravichandran Ashwin's next assignment
Ravichandran Ashwin has also been part of India's title runs in two ICC tournaments. He was part of India's squad in the 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy in which they won the trophy.
Ashwin will be in action in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season where he will reunite with his former team Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He was signed by the franchise for INR 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.