Ravichandran Ashwin's career is a declaration as to why he is considered a modern day legend of Indian cricket. A spin wizard and a handy batsman,, Ashwin has emerged as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of cricket. Numbers and achievements underline his dominance and versatility across formats.
Here's a look at Ashwin's remarkable milestones that define his legacy:
All-Time Test Wicket-Takers List
Ashwin wrapped up his Tests career by picking 537 wickets in 106 games and that put him seventh in the list and second best among Indians since Anil Kumble could take 619. His strike rate is 50.73 that tops the bowling average, with nine different bowlers taking more than 500 wickets as Ashwin is third for a bowling average of 24. Ashwin's record includes 37 five-wicket hauls, equaling Shane Warne and second only to Muttiah Muralitharan's 67. He also claimed 10-wicket match hauls on eight occasions, tying with Kumble as the highest for an Indian bowler.
Home Dominance
Ashwin’s success on home soil is legendary. He played all 65 home Tests since his debut in 2011, contributing to 47 wins. Only Sachin Tendulkar (52) has been part of more Test wins for India at home. His 383 wickets in home Tests are the most by any Indian bowler and the fourth-highest overall. With 29 five-wicket hauls at home, he trails only Muralitharan's 45.
Among bowlers to have more than 200 wickets at home, Ashwin's average is the sixth-best at 21.57, and his strike rate of 46 is the fourth-best, emphasizing his complete dominance on Indian pitches. His 303 wickets in Test victories at home leave him only two short of Muralitharan's record 305.
All-Round Brilliance
Ashwin’s impact extended beyond his bowling. A talented batsman, he also scored six Test centuries, with four of them coming in at No. 8 or below, only one other than Daniel Vettori, who achieved five. On four occasions Ashwin had the rare double of a century and a five-wicket haul in the same match—a feat only surpassed by Ian Botham with five.
His 3503 Test runs is the second-highest total among bowlers who have taken more than 500 wickets, behind Stuart Broad's 3662. Of the eight bowlers who have taken more than 500 Test wickets, only Ashwin, Broad, and Kumble have made centuries.
India’s Match-Winner
Ashwin featured in 61 of India’s 106 Test wins during his career, with a win percentage of 57.55%—the sixth-best for players with 100+ Tests. Of his 537 Test wickets, 374 came in victories, making him rank fifth overall and the only Indian bowler with over 300 wickets in wins. His 31 five-wicket hauls in wins are second only to Muralitharan's 41.
Excellence with the New Ball and Against Left-Handers
Ashwin’s adaptability allowed him to excel with the new ball, taking 180 wickets in 54 matches as India’s opening bowler. His average of 19.27 and strike rate of 39.9 are among the best for new-ball bowlers. Against left-handers, Ashwin claimed 268 wickets, the most in history, with an exceptional average of 19.85.
Legacy Across Formats
Ashwin has 765 wickets in all formats, second only to Kumble's 953 for India. He is the 11th-highest in international cricket.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: PTI
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