India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket on Wednesday after the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia. This marks the end of a spectacular 14-year journey where Ashwin cemented his place among cricket’s all-time greats. With his unmatched skills and sharp cricketing intellect, Ashwin’s career has been a masterclass in consistency and adaptability.
Ravichandran Ashwin Records: A Glance at His Incredible Career
Ashwin’s name is synonymous with milestones. Over 765 international wickets make him the second-highest wicket-taker for India, trailing only Anil Kumble. Globally, this feat places him 11th on the all-time list, showcasing his immense impact across formats. In Test cricket alone, Ashwin’s 537 scalps rank second for India, again behind Kumble. Such numbers define his legacy as one of India’s most reliable match-winners.
Redefining Records in the World Test Championship
Ravichandran Ashwin records highlight his dominance in the modern era of Test cricket. He was the first bowler to claim 100 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC), reaching the milestone in March 2022. Across three editions of the WTC, Ashwin’s tally of 195 wickets remains the highest—a testament to his consistency on the global stage.
A Master of Five-Wicket Hauls
With 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, Ashwin sits just behind Muttiah Muralitharan, who holds the record with 67. His ability to dismantle opposition line-ups has made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. Ravichandran Ashwin records also include being the second-fastest bowler in history to reach 500 Test wickets, achieving the mark in just 98 matches in February 2024.
An All-Round Genius
Ashwin’s contributions extended beyond bowling. With four instances of scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same Test, he stands among the rarest of all-rounders. Only England’s Ian Botham, with five such instances, surpasses him.
Home Dominance Like No Other
Ashwin’s performance in Indian conditions was nothing short of phenomenal. His Test bowling strike rate of 46.0 is the best for any spinner with over 200 wickets at home. Ravichandran Ashwin records in India also include being the country’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket at home, with 383 dismissals in just 65 games.
15 Ravichandran Ashwins Records in Cricket
- 765 Wickets: Ashwin’s total international wickets rank second among Indian bowlers, only behind Anil Kumble (956), and place him 11th globally across all formats.
- 537 Test Wickets: Ashwin is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, trailing Kumble’s record of 619.
- First to 100 WTC Wickets: Ashwin was the first bowler to claim 100 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship, achieving the milestone in March 2022.
- 195 WTC Wickets: Ashwin retires as the highest wicket-taker in World Test Championship history across three editions.
- 37 Five-Wicket Hauls: Ashwin’s 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests are the second most in history, only behind Muttiah Muralidaran’s 67.
- Second-Fastest to 500 Test Wickets: He reached the 500-wicket mark in just 98 matches, becoming the second-fastest in the world to do so.
- Quickest to 250, 300, and 350 Test Wickets: Ashwin holds the record for being the fastest to these milestones.
- 11 Player of the Series Awards: He has the most Player of the Series honors in Test cricket and 12 overall, only surpassed by Virat Kohli (21) and Sachin Tendulkar (20) among Indians.
- 226 Bowled/LBW Dismissals: Ashwin has the most bowled and LBW dismissals by a spinner in Test cricket.
- 302 Bowled/LBW Across Formats: Only Muralidaran (336) and Anderson (320) have more such dismissals in international cricket.
- 4 Double Feats: Ashwin scored a century and took a five-wicket haul in the same Test match on four occasions, just behind Ian Botham (5).
- 156 ODI Wickets: He is India’s fourth-highest wicket-taking spinner in ODIs, with 156 scalps from 116 matches.
- 383 Test Wickets in India: Ashwin has the most Test wickets in India, surpassing all other bowlers in home conditions.
- 475 Wickets in India Across Formats: Only Kumble (476) has more wickets in India across formats.
- Oldest Indian Bowler to Take 5 Wickets: At 38, Ashwin recorded figures of 6/88 in a Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, making him the oldest Indian bowler to achieve the feat.
As Ashwin steps away, he leaves behind a legacy defined by numbers, versatility, and moments of brilliance. His journey inspires future cricketers to strive for excellence and embrace challenges with determination.
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Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket