Born in Vellore, raised in Auckland, a Rajinikanth-inspired tattoo: Adithya Ashok’s journey is a study of contrasts

Born in Vellore, raised in Auckland, tipped as a future torchbearer of New Zealand’s spin attack, trained at the Chennai Super Kings Academy, and sporting a Tamil tattoo inspired by a Rajinikanth classic — Adithya Ashok is a study in contrasts. Little wonder then that the leg-spinner is relishing his first tour of India with the Black Caps senior side.

“I am very excited to potentially represent my country and also represent the people who have helped me along my journey,” Adithya said on Thursday after New Zealand’s first training session ahead of Sunday’s ODI series opener against India at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium.

“I am very excited to play in India as well. It’s an amazing opportunity. You always hear from players who have been here before about the atmosphere and the love for the game, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Having already earned three limited-overs caps, Adithya is being groomed as a long-term successor to Ish Sodhi in New Zealand’s spin department. Yet, off the field, it is the tattoo on his right arm that often draws attention — the Tamil phrase ‘En vazhi thani vazhi’ (My way is a unique way), a famous dialogue from the Rajinikanth film Padayappa.

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Adithya revealed that the words hold deep personal significance, rooted in a conversation with his late grandfather. “We had a very personal conversation about values, morals, and things that meant a lot to him. We were talking at our family home, the television was on, and that Rajini film happened to be playing in the background,” he recalled.

“That’s where it came from. People ask me about it, but it’s a very personal thing. That conversation meant a lot to me. My grandfather passed away soon after, so it’s an everlasting memory of what we spoke about. I am very grateful for that moment.”

As he prepares for his first taste of international cricket in India, Adithya carries with him not just ambition, but a journey shaped across cultures, continents, and deeply held personal values.

Published on Jan 08, 2026