Ravi Ashwin darws analogy of CSK’s hiatus to Manchester United’s 1958 Munich disaster

Ashwin, who has earlier been associated with the franchise seemed overwhelmed by the club's return.

Indian off-spinner Ravi Ashwin, who will most likely don the Chennai Super Kings jersey yet again for the upcoming edition of the IPL has drawn an analogy of the franchise’s 2-year hiatus to that of English club Manchester United. Ashwin went on to say that the hiatus will increase CSK’s value like it did for United post the ’58 air-crash debacle. A lynchpin of CSK’s bowling unit, Ashwin has bagged 120 wickets from 121 outings at an economy of 6.66. Ashwin, who has earlier been associated with the franchise seemed overwhelmed by the club’s return.

Famously known as the Munich air disaster, an aircraft carrying the Manchester United football team popularly known as the ‘Busby Babes’ crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport, in West Germany. Twenty of the 44 on the plane died at the scene. Sir Matt Busby, the then United Manager, however, survived the crash.

According to Cricbuzz, the 30-year-old offie said, “I think the two-year hiatus for CSK probably increases its value much like what it did for Manchester United when the air crash happened (in 1958 when eight of their players died). I don’t know if it’s in the same league but surely people in Chennai and fans across the world are waiting for CSK to return. I hope it turns out to be a good comeback.”

Muralitharan heaps praise on Ravi Ashwin

Ashwin will also feature in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) for the Dindigul Dragons franchise but will miss a majority of the competition due to his national commitments.

Ashwin is currently preparing for the Tour of Sri Lanka and will hope to rediscover his form. Former Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan also lauded Ashwin prior to the upcoming series between India and Sri Lanka. Muralitharan praised him for his skills and stated that he has grown into a smart and a talented bowler.