Ashwin Ties The Knot In Low-Key Ceremony

CHENNAI: India's newest spin sensation R Ashwin on Sunday tied the knot with his childhood friend Preethi Narayanan in a low-key wedding ceremony attended by only family members and close friends.

The off-spinner, who made his debut in the first Test against the West Indies in Delhi, will fly to Kolkata for the second match starting on Monday after an impressive nine-wicket haul in the earlier game.

His nine-wicket haul in Delhi included six in the second innings of a match which India won more than a day to spare. The performance got him the selector's nod for the second Test as well.

Ashwin will leave for Kolkata this evening with his wife and a party has been arranged there for his Indian teammates, according to family sources.

The wedding reception of the couple was held last evening chief selector K Srikkanth were among those who attended the function. The marriage was solemnised this morning according to Hindu customs.

The 25-year-old Ashwin made his ODI and Twenty20 debuts last year, after being a strike bowler for IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.