Ravichandran Ashwin Cricket Journey: Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the finest off-spin bowlers in cricket history, announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, following the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. After over a decade in the game, his decision marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. In a heartfelt moment shared with Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Ashwin addressed the media, saying, “I won’t take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer.” He opted not to entertain questions, quietly exiting after his message.
A record-breaking career: 537 wickets and beyond
Ashwin retires as the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for India, with 537 wickets in 106 matches. Only the legendary Anil Kumble, with 619 wickets, has taken more. Ashwin’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to thrive in various conditions worldwide, combined with his record as the fastest bowler to reach 300 wickets in terms of innings, highlights his consistency and mastery of the craft.
Ashwin’s 11 Man of the Series awards in Tests, shared with Muttiah Muralitharan, speak to his dominance in the format. He is also one of only three players to have scored 3000 runs and taken 500 wickets in Tests. His six Test centuries underline his value as a well-rounded cricketer. As of September 2024, Ashwin was ranked as the highest-rated bowler in the ICC Men’s Player Rankings.
The Ashwin Legacy: A Career Built on Dedication and Perseverance
Ashwin’s path to international cricket was far from traditional. He initially played as an opening batsman before transitioning to off-spin, a decision that would define his career. Starting with Tamil Nadu in 2006, Ashwin quickly gained attention with his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. His breakthrough came in 2011 when he made his Test debut against the West Indies, claiming a five-wicket haul on his first outing.
Ashwin truly flourished on Indian pitches, especially in the 2013 series against Australia, where he took 29 wickets, setting a record for the most by any Indian in a four-match Test series. His performances earned him numerous accolades, including the ICC Cricketer of the Year and Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016. His name also appeared in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Decade (2011-2020), and he was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2015.
Ashwin’s IPL success and domestic contributions
Ashwin’s career in the IPL has been equally impressive. He was pivotal in Chennai Super Kings’ successes, including their victories in the 2010 and 2011 IPL seasons, as well as the 2014 Champions League Twenty20. Known for his variety and control, Ashwin adapted his game for the shorter formats, making him a valuable asset in the IPL.
His contribution to Tamil Nadu cricket, too, cannot be overlooked. Despite limited opportunities in the national team, Ashwin remained loyal to his domestic side, earning respect for his leadership and consistency.
Off the Field: A family-oriented and intellectual persona
Beyond cricket, Ashwin is known for his deep connection with family and his intellectual curiosity. Married to his childhood sweetheart, Prithi Narayanan, the couple has two daughters, and Ashwin often speaks about the importance of family in his life. His social media presence reflects his passion for learning, from science to history, making him a role model on and off the field.
Ashwin’s lifestyle strikes a balance between his cricket career, family commitments, and personal interests, showcasing a holistic approach to life.
2015-2019: Consistency and stardom
Ashwin’s rise continued through 2015, where his record-breaking 21 wickets against Sri Lanka and a career-best 7/66 in the Freedom Trophy against South Africa solidified his position among the best. In the 2015 series against South Africa, Ashwin played a crucial role in India’s series win, taking 21 wickets.
In 2016, Ashwin continued his excellence, notably contributing with both ball and bat during India’s series win against the West Indies, where he scored two centuries and took 17 wickets in four Tests.
His performance against New Zealand in 2016, where he claimed 27 wickets in three Tests, further cemented his reputation as one of the world’s finest spinners.
2019-Present: Continued excellence and leadership
Ashwin remained a crucial part of India’s bowling attack, playing key roles in both Tests and limited-overs cricket. His adaptability and consistency across conditions have made him a stalwart for India. His continued contributions with both bat and ball established him as one of the top spinners of his generation. Throughout his career, Ashwin has proved to be a match-winner with the ball and an excellent all-rounder, stepping up whenever needed with the bat, making him one of the most versatile cricketers to ever play the game.
With his retirement, Ravichandran Ashwin leaves behind a legacy of skill, resilience, and a commitment to excellence—one that will be remembered for years to come in the world of cricket.
Achievements and records
Ravichandran Ashwin boasts numerous records, including being the fastest to 250, 300, and 350 wickets in Test cricket. He is the fastest Indian to reach various milestones, including 50, 100, 150, 200, and 500 Test wickets. Ashwin is the only Indian to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test on four occasions. He holds the record for the most Man of the Series awards in Tests (11) and has the second-highest number of five-wicket hauls (37). Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 522 wickets and the highest wicket-taker in India (383). He is one of only three all-rounders to score 3,000 runs and take 500 wickets in Tests and has been ranked the highest-rated Indian bowler in ICC Men’s Player Rankings.