Mumbai: Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most accomplished spinners, has bid adieu to his stellar international cricket career, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. With 537 wickets from 106 Test matches, Ashwin’s career has been a masterclass in persistence, skill, and adaptability. Though he is second to Anil Kumble in terms of total wickets (Kumble holds the record with 619 wickets from 132 Test matches), Ashwin’s remarkable ability to dominate on various pitches, especially in India, makes him one of the most effective spinners to have ever played the game.
Ashwin’s tenure in international cricket has been marked by his hunger for improvement and his constant drive to push the boundaries. Like his idol, Anil Kumble, Ashwin, an engineering graduate, was known for his technical approach and relentless pursuit of excellence. Kumble had once noted, before Ashwin’s 100th Test match, that his true value would only be realized after his retirement, adding that Ashwin ranks among the best players to represent India.
Throughout his career, Ashwin was not just a wicket-taker but also a match-winner. His statistics, including 37 five-wicket hauls and six Test centuries, underscore his all-around abilities. His relentless efforts helped India secure a record of unbeaten home series for 12 consecutive years until their recent defeat to New Zealand. Ashwin’s contribution was particularly crucial in subcontinental conditions, where he became nearly unplayable for a decade.
Despite a decrease in his role in recent years due to the rise of India’s pace attack and the presence of Ravindra Jadeja as the first-choice spinner, Ashwin’s influence on the team remained significant. Even at the age of 38, when his involvement reduced outside the subcontinent, he was trusted by captain Rohit Sharma to spearhead India’s spin attack, as seen in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide against Australia.
Ashwin’s legacy will not be just about his remarkable statistics, but also about his determination to continuously innovate and stay ahead of the game. His ability to keep evolving with the game, even when he could have easily rested on his laurels, speaks to his unmatched commitment. Whether it was adjusting his game to suit different conditions or learning new variations, Ashwin’s career was a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
As he steps away from the Test arena, Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket will be cherished by fans and players alike. His incredible career, which included taking 10 or more wickets in a Test match on eight occasions and bowling over 27,000 deliveries, has set a high bar for future generations of cricketers. Ravichandran Ashwin’s journey in Test cricket may have come to an end, but his impact on the game will continue to inspire for years to come.
