Ravichandran Ashwin, the maestro of spin bowling, has his name etched indelibly in the annals of cricket history. Announcing his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, Ashwin concluded a remarkable 14-year career as India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, amassing 537 wickets in 106 Tests.
Many landmarks in Ashwin’s Test career. He became the quickest to reach 300 Test wickets; he achieved that feat in his 54th Test and broke Dennis Lillee’s previous record. His skills at home were particularly fierce, claiming 383 wickets at an average of 21.57 in India.
- Ravichandran Ashwin Total Test Wickets– 537 Wickets
- Ashwin Total wickets in All Format– 765 Wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin Total Century– 06 in Test , 0 in T20, 0 in ODI
Besides his wicket-taking skills, Ashwin versatility was well reflected since he became only the second Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev to score more than 500 runs and take over 50 wickets in a single calendar year, achieving that rare double in 2016. His all-round ability was further reflected through his six Test centuries and that made him a reliable lower-order batsman.
The Ashwin effect also came in consistency to the match-winning performances where he received 11 Man of the Series awards in Tests, a record that equals the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan. His strategic acumen and ability to adapt himself well to varying conditions make him the linchpin for the India bowling arsenal across various formats and geographies.
Despite his magnificent record, Ashwin’s journey was not all smooth-sailing. The paradox to this is being benched during overseas tours, that speaks of the complexities related to team selection and the match strategies in place at the time. However, his resilience and commitment to sport were never faltering.
Contributions made by him have not only brought laurels to the nation but have also inspired a generation of cricketers to pursue excellence with dedication and ingenuity. With Ashwin retiring from the international arena, he leaves behind a legacy characterized by skill, intellect, and an unrelenting passion for the game.