Ravichandran Ashwin: The Magician of Spin and a Legend Bows Out

The cricketing world was met with a wave of emotions as Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s master off spinner, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in the middle of an important series raised eyebrows and this is one of the reason why this article is delayed. We were wondering what the heck?. Everyone asking the question why now? and why in the middle of a series?. There might be a lot of questions which needs answers and we will come to know about those in due time. But let us look into the journey of a middle class family boy making it in the international stage with a career that began on the bustling streets of Chennai blossomed into one of the most illustrious in the history of cricket. With a mix of skill, resilience, and relentless passion, Ashwin transformed the art of off-spin and became an indomitable force in Indian cricket. This is his story—a journey filled with hard work, triumphs, and countless memories etched into the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.

ASHWIN - THE CHESS PLAYER OF CRICKET !

Early Days: From Chennai Streets to Cricket Fields

Born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, R.Ashwin grew up in a cricket-loving family. His father, Ravichandran, was a club-level cricketer who introduced young Ashwin to the game. Though Ashwin started as a promising opening batsman, his cricketing path took an unexpected yet magical turn during his teenage years.

The streets of West Mambalam, where he honed his cricketing skills, became his first classroom. Ashwin’s tryst with competitive cricket began at St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, known for nurturing exceptional cricketing talent. Under the mentorship of dedicated coaches, Ashwin developed his technical proficiency, showcasing his potential in school tournaments.

The Shift to Spin and Domestic Success

As a young cricketer, Ashwin faced challenges in maintaining his position as a batsman. A pivotal decision to explore off-spin bowling turned out to be a masterstroke. His experimentation with angles, flight, and variations brought immediate success in junior-level cricket.

Ashwin debuted for Tamil Nadu in the 2006-07 Ranji Trophy season, impressing everyone with his tactical acumen and ability to extract turn and bounce. His maiden season saw him pick up 31 wickets in eight matches, marking him as a player to watch in Indian domestic cricket. His performances earned him a spot in the Duleep Trophy and the India A team, further solidifying his credentials as a future star.

IPL Stardom: The Chennai Super Kings Era

The advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) provided Ashwin with a platform to display his skills on a global stage. Signed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2009, Ashwin quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s bowling lineup. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, he thrived in high-pressure situations, delivering match-winning spells.

• Key Achievements in IPL:

  • Part of CSK’s title-winning campaigns in 2010 and 2011.

  • Famous for his carrom ball, which left batsmen perplexed and elevated his status as a master tactician.

  • Finished as one of the most economical bowlers in the league during his peak years.

International Debut: A Dream Realized

Ashwin made his ODI debut in 2010 against Sri Lanka, followed by his Test debut in November 2011 against the West Indies. His performance in his debut Test match was nothing short of extraordinary—picking up 9 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, and scoring a crucial half-century.

Ashwin’s rise in international cricket coincided with India’s growing dominance in Test matches, particularly at home. His ability to adapt to varying conditions and innovate constantly made him an asset across formats.

Career Stats: Numbers That Speak Volumes

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling (Innings)	Runs Scored	Centuries
Test	106	537	7/59	3129	6
ODI	116	151	4/25	707	0
T20I	65	72	4/8	123	0

Memorable Performances: Defining Moments in Ashwin’s Career

The 2016 Series Against England

Ashwin was at his lethal best during the 2016 home series against England, where he picked up 28 wickets in five matches. His ability to outthink batsmen, combined with his tactical variations, made him a nightmare for England’s lineup.

The 2021 Heroics Against Australia

Ashwin’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2021 is etched in cricketing folklore. Battling a severe back injury, he played a key role in India’s famous draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground and was instrumental in India’s eventual series win.

The Century in Chennai

In a Test match against England in 2021, Ashwin showcased his all-round brilliance by scoring a match-winning century on a turning track in Chennai. His ability to contribute with the bat consistently made him a valuable lower-order batsman.

On-Field Rivalries: The Chess Player on the Pitch

Ashwin’s cerebral approach to the game was evident in his legendary battles with some of the finest batsmen in the world. His duels with Steve Smith and Joe Root were often compared to chess matches, where Ashwin’s ability to anticipate and outwit his opponents set him apart.

Ashwin once remarked, “Off-spin is not just about turning the ball. It’s about setting traps, creating doubts, and owning the moment.”

Retirement: The End of an Era

On December 18, 2024, Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. The decision, though unexpected, marked the end of a glorious chapter in Indian cricket. The cricketing fraternity, from teammates to rivals, paid rich tributes to his legacy.

Virat Kohli, his longtime teammate, said, “Ashwin is not just a bowler; he’s a thinker. Every time we needed something extraordinary, he delivered. His contributions will be remembered forever.”

Legacy: Inspiring Generations

Ravichandran Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that transcends numbers. He redefined off-spin bowling, brought intellect and strategy into play, and inspired countless youngsters to pursue the art of spin. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, his journey will continue to inspire cricketers to dream big and chase excellence.

Journey will continue... off the field !

Ashwin will be in touch with the game no matter the retirement from international duty, and that is a given as he is someone who cannot stop thinking about the game, analysing it, dissecting it to get into the depth of it.

The question in everyones mind is what he is up to next? Of course he is still playing the IPL representing his home team "The Chennai Super Kings" and he has the option now to play overseas leagues as well, he can get into commentary easily as he is already doing a lot of podcasts, YouTube content etc., So we will be seeing R. Ashwin a lot in our personal screens.

Till then...

Thank you, Ash, for the magic, the memories, and the masterclass. Indian cricket and the fans will forever cherish your contributions.