R Ashwin’s legendary Test career: 537 wickets, 3053 runs, and match-winning performances. Could his retirement mark the end of an era for India?
Ravichandran Ashwin - one of the greatest cricketer stalwarts in Indian Test history - has certainly imprinted his lines early into the asymmetric federated capital of cricket. During a career of record 13 years Ashwin has played for Team India in 106 Test matches, bagged 537 wickets, and scored 3053 runs. Not just the effluent performer with the ball but also a tail-end miracle and the game-changer for the nation, Ashwin really edges one of the fine bricks that India lays to the great edifice of success in Test cricket.
What is he retiring 😐 pic.twitter.com/swvZe9QT0o
— PK (@KaltTweetsOffl) December 18, 2024
Rumors are rife on the last day of the IND vs AUS 3rd Test in Brisbane that Ashwin will soon announce his retirement. Cricket fans brace themselves for what could be a shocking decision. Let's take a closer look into his illustrious career and what it would mean when he chooses to retire from Indian cricket.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙞𝙣 🫡
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024
A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation 👏👏
The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA
A Stellar Career That Began in 2010
So began Ashwin's Test career in 2010, and over the years, he has established himself as one of the best all-rounders of all time in cricket. His achievements include the following:
- 2011 ICC World Cup Champion
- 2013 ICC Champions Trophy Winner
- India's main contributor to qualifying for two finals of the World Test Championship (WTC)
He shone equally well in all forms of the game but truly excelled in the most difficult format- Test cricket. He became the stick for India in many difficult conditions, especially on spinning tracks at home. Not just with the ball, but also with the important batting of lower-order runs in many memorable matches.
Ashwin’s Dominance in Test Cricket
When it comes to Test cricket, Ashwin’s numbers speak volumes about his impact:
At Home:
Ashwin was nearly unbeatable on Indian soil. In just 65 home matches, he claimed 383 wickets at an astonishing average of 21 and a strike rate of 46. His ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions turned countless games in India’s favor.In the West Indies and Sri Lanka:
Ashwin enjoyed great success in subcontinental-like conditions abroad, picking up 32 wickets in the West Indies and 38 in Sri Lanka, demonstrating his adaptability and dominance.In Australia:
While not as consistent in Australia, Ashwin had his moments. Across 11 matches Down Under, he picked up 40 wickets, often contributing in high-pressure situations.
These stats solidify Ashwin as one of the greatest Test cricketers of his generation, particularly in Indian conditions, where he remains an unparalleled force.
Could Ashwin Announce His Retirement?
A Legacy to Remember
Should Ashwin retire, he would leave behind a legacy that is hard to match. His records, his ability to deliver under pressure, and his unmatched cricketing IQ make him one of the greatest players in India’s cricketing history.
As fans, we can only hope that the rumors of his retirement are not true. Ashwin still has much to offer, and Indian cricket will certainly benefit from his experience and skill in the years to come.
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