Nilanjan
Ravichandran Ashwin is a name that every cricket fan knows and respects. He is one of the most successful and versatile bowlers in the world, who can bamboozle any batsman with his variations and skills. He is also a handy batsman who can score runs when needed. He is a true all-rounder who has contributed immensely to India’s victories in all formats of the game.
Ashwin was born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He started playing cricket at a young age and developed a passion for the game. He was inspired by his idol Anil Kumble, who was India’s leading spinner at that time. Ashwin honed his skills by playing tennis-ball cricket on the streets of Chennai, where he learned the soduku ball, a finger-flicked legbreak that became his trademark delivery.
Ashwin made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2006 and impressed everyone with his performances. He was soon picked by Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, where he played under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. He became a key member of the CSK team that won two consecutive IPL titles in 2010 and 2011.
Ashwin made his international debut for India in 2010 in a ODI against Sri Lanka. He took two wickets in his first match and announced his arrival on the big stage. He made his Test debut in 2011 against West Indies at Delhi, where he took nine wickets and was named the Player of the Match. He became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 50 Test wickets in just nine matches.
Ashwin’s career graph soared as he became India’s leading spinner in all formats. He formed a lethal partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who complemented him with his left-arm spin. Ashwin’s variations, such as the carrom ball, the arm ball, and the offbreak, made him a nightmare for the batsmen. He also improved his batting skills and scored four Test centuries.
Ashwin achieved many milestones and records in his illustrious career. He is the fastest bowler to reach 200, 250, 300 and 400 Test wickets, breaking the records of legends like Dennis Lillee, Richard Hadlee, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. He is also the second-highest wicket-taker for India in international cricket, surpassing Harbhajan Singh and only behind Anil Kumble.
Ashwin has won many awards and accolades for his performances. He is the only Indian bowler to win the ICC Cricketer of the Year award twice, in 2016 and 20172. He has also won seven ICC Test Player of the Month awards, more than any other player3. He has been named in the ICC Test Team of the Year four times and the ICC ODI Team of the Year once.
Ashwin has been instrumental in India’s success in Test cricket, especially at home. He has taken 30 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket hauls in Tests, equaling Kumble’s record for India. He has also taken over 90 wickets each against Australia and England, two of India’s toughest opponents. He has been part of many memorable victories for India, such as the series wins in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, and the World Test Championship final win over New Zealand in 2021.
Ashwin is not only a great cricketer but also a great human being. He is a cricket nerd who loves to learn and share his knowledge about the game. He is also a humble and respectful person who always acknowledges his teammates and opponents. He is a role model for many young cricketers who aspire to emulate him.
Ravichandran Ashwin is undoubtedly one of the best spinners of all time and one of India’s greatest cricketers ever. He has broken records and hearts with his masterful bowling and batting. He has entertained and inspired millions of fans with his passion and skill. He is a legend who deserves all the praise and admiration he gets.
