A spin maestro, a cricketing genius, and a player who could single-handedly turn the tide of any match – Ravichandran Ashwin has brought the curtains down on his illustrious international career. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests, 37 five-wicket hauls, eight 10-wicket hauls, and six centuries, Ashwin’s numbers alone reflect his monumental contribution to Indian cricket.
However, his legacy goes beyond statistics, encompassing countless unforgettable moments that defined his two-decade-long journey. Ashwin’s ability to adapt, innovate, and rise to the occasion made him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.
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Whether it was rescuing his side with crucial runs, outfoxing batsmen with subtle variations, or delivering under pressure, Ravichandran Ashwin’s contributions were unparalleled. His tactical acumen and relentless pursuit of excellence earned him respect from peers and fans alike. As he steps away from international cricket, Ashwin leaves behind a void that will be hard to fill, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Here’s a deep dive into some of his most iconic performances:
6/81 & 7/59 vs New Zealand (Indore, 2016)
Ashwin’s spellbinding performance against New Zealand in Indore is etched in the annals of cricket history. On a turning pitch, the off-spinner dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup with figures of 6/81 in the first innings, setting the stage for India’s dominance. In the second innings, he was even more lethal, claiming 7/59, including prized wickets like Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. His brilliance secured a massive 321-run victory, and his efforts in 2016 earned him the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.
5/43, 106, & 3/53 vs England (Chennai, 2021)
Returning to his home ground, Ashwin produced one of the most complete performances in modern Test cricket. He began by running through England’s batting lineup with a five-wicket haul. Then, in front of an electrified Chepauk crowd, Ashwin smashed a stunning century, setting England an improbable target of 482. He capped off his masterclass with three more wickets, sealing a massive 317-run win and reasserting his dominance on home soil.
113 & 7/83 vs West Indies (North Sound, 2016)
In a performance that highlighted his all-round brilliance, Ashwin scored a commanding 113 in the first innings, complementing Virat Kohli’s double century to power India to 566/8. With the ball, he demolished the West Indies batting order in their follow-on innings, picking up 7/83 to secure an innings-and-92-run victory.
5/32 & 7/66 vs South Africa (Nagpur, 2015)
On a pitch offering sharp turn, Ashwin was unstoppable. His first-innings 5/32 set the tone, bundling South Africa out for a meager 79. In the second innings, he claimed seven wickets, finishing with match figures of 12/98, as India clinched a commanding 124-run win.
7/103 & 5/95 vs Australia (Chennai, 2013)
In the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin was the Aussies’ nightmare. His first-innings spell of 7/103 tore through their batting order. He added another five-wicket haul in the second innings, helping India secure a comfortable win and establish their dominance in the series.
2/15 vs England (Champions Trophy Final, 2013)
Ashwin’s brilliance wasn’t confined to Test cricket. In the rain-hit Champions Trophy final, his 2/15, including the scalps of Jonathan Trott and Joe Root, turned the game in India’s favor. Tasked with defending 14 runs in the final over, Ashwin held his nerve, guiding India to a memorable five-run victory.
4/11 vs Australia (T20 World Cup, 2014)
Ashwin was instrumental in India’s unbeaten run to the semifinals of the 2014 T20 World Cup. Against Australia, his spell of 4/11 dismantled their batting lineup, claiming key wickets like Aaron Finch, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell. His performance ensured a comprehensive victory.
4/8 vs Sri Lanka (Visakhapatnam, 2016)
In the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka, Ashwin showcased his mastery with the new ball, claiming four wickets for just eight runs. His early strikes reduced Sri Lanka to 82 all out, with India cruising to an easy win and clinching the series.
