Ravichandran Ashwin awarded the Garfield Sobers Trophy for winning ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016

In Tuesday’s celebrations, one man that bagged two prestigious awards was Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The spin spearhead received the Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016, and the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2016. From 14 September 2015 to 20 September 2016, the spin wizard picked up 48 wickets and was decent with the willow too scoring 336 runs. The 30-year old also claimed 27 wickets in 19 T20Is.

The year 2015 saw him becoming the No. 1 Test bowler in the world, a position that he regained twice in 2016. After winning the award, an elated Ashwin said, “It has been a great honour to be named by the ICC for two top awards and it is dreamlike to actually receive them here.”

“What has been greatly satisfying for me is that I have helped the team do well during this period. We have a great unit that has done well across formats. Being on top of the Test table, in particular, is an accomplishment we are all proud of.

He also thanked all his teammates, support staff and team management for helping him perform, and hoped that this terrific form he carried right through the season does not desert him anytime soon. Ashwin also got a bit emotional and revealed that one of his uncles passed away during the final Test and that the deceased and his family have been a great support to him.

“I thank my family and also would like to remember my uncle who passed away suddenly during this game. My uncle’s family has also been a pillar of support all these years.”

Ashwin took the opportunity to thank the ICC as well for acknowledging his efforts and that being awarded the player of the year serves as a huge source of inspiration.

“I thank the ICC for recognizing and encouraging players with these awards because such moments always remain in one’s memory,” he concluded.