Ashwin receives Sobers Trophy

“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,” said Ashwin, who had finished 2015 as the number-one ranked Test bowler in the world, a position he twice reclaimed in 2016. 

“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. 

During the voting period, which ran from September 14, 2015 to September 20, 2016, the 30-year-old from Chennai played eight Tests in which he took 48 wickets and scored 336 runs. 

I’d like to thank all my team-members, team management and support staff for helping me perform. I hope to continue doing well and help my team win many matches in the coming years,” he said. 

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

Former India captain Kapil Dev, who presented the ICC Cricketer of the Year to Ashwin, congratulated the spinner. 

“Ashwin has shown his penchant for winning Test matches time and again. He has played a big part in India becoming the topranked Test side,” he said.