The arrival of R Ashwin – India’s ultimate spin legend who did not play against England

Ravichandran Ashwin, who turns 35 on September 17, is one of the best spinners currently in world cricket and he has broken several records for the Indian cricket team in his decade-long association.

R Ashwin - in file image (Image credit: Twitter)
By Siddharth vishwanathan | Sep 17, 2021 | 4 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

In the recent series between India and England, there was immense criticism flying towards Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team management. It was regarding the non-selection of Ravichandran Ashwin. The offspinner, who made his debut in 2011, has been one of the best spinners in the world. The fastest to 300 Test wickets, a great record against the best batsmen in the world, the ultimate nightmare for left-handers and a bowler who excels in all conditions. Yet, Ashwin played only one Test in the entire tour. That was in the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand.

The records of Ashwin in the modern era are simply brilliant. In 79 Tests, he has 413 wickets at an average of 24.56. He is fourth on the list of all-time wicket-takers for India in Tests. Yet, such is the competition in the current Indian side that he did not get a game. For a player to have been pigeonholed as an IPL specialist, he has developed into one of the finest bowlers in the world. Using drift, spin, flight, and loop, Ashwin is a deadly spinner in any condition.

R Ashwin becomes a sub-continent bully but struggles overseas

When Ashwin started his career out, the wickets in the sub-continent were fertile ground for his brilliance. Out of 413 wickets, 286 have come in India with an average of 21. Outside the subcontinent in the SENA countries, Ashwin has 123 wickets at an average of 31. But, the numbers hide some crucial aspects. If one looks at the performance of specialist spinners in the SENA countries, then actually Ashwin is leading the list.

In his debut season, he took nine wickets against the West Indies in Delhi. He followed it up with a brilliant century in that same series. After the struggles in Australia, Ashwin responded with a 12-wicket haul against New Zealand in Hyderabad. However, he struggled against England at home. Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen found a way to tackle him.

But, Ashwin bounced back in grand style against Australia. He took 29 wickets, including a 12-wicket haul in his hometown of Chennai. After struggling in the SENA countries, Ashwin played a vital role in ending India’s 21-year jinx in Sri Lanka.

Ashwin continues to propel his career to great heights

The year 2015 continued to be brilliant for Ashwin and India. After taking 21 wickets in India’s 2-1 triumph, Ashwin took 31 wickets in four Tests against South Africa. This included a haul of 7/66 in Nagpur which was his best. In the entire summer of 2016/17, Ashwin was the key factor in India’s dominance of New Zealand, England, Australia, and Bangladesh.

Apart from the West Indies, Ashwin had mixed success against England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. In that period, though, he had success against the likes of Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, the modern masters of batting in world cricket.  In the recent series against Australia, Ashwin had the wood over Smith, who had a brilliant record against India.

He was involved in a close race with Nathan Lyon, who was approaching 400 wickets. But, Ashwin pipped him to the post to become the second-fastest to that landmark. Imagine, he is second only to Muttiah Muralitharan, the greatest spinner of all time. There is an apparent misconception that he does not do too well in the SENA countries. But, when one looks at an eight-year period, Ashwin has taken 54 wickets in 17 Tests at an average of 33. Only Lyon is ahead with 79 wickets in 22 Tests.

Ashwin one of the finest

The offspinner will get plenty of opportunities for India to ensure that he can come close to the record set by Anil Kumble. But, with age not on his side, he will have to maintain his consistency for the next three-four years. With the competition in the Indian cricket team hotting up, Ashwin has a lot on his hands if he has to maintain his position in the team.

Ashwin has already made it to the World T20 side, which is the first time in four years. With all the talk about his effectiveness, he could become one of the key assets for India as they look to break their ICC jinx. Remember, it was Ashwin who bowled the last ball that helped India seal the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy title against England. His calmness under pressure was a tremendous sight.

Maybe, the 2021 ICC World T20 offers Ashwin the ultimate chance to tell the management that his dropping for the England Tests was a mistake. Perhaps, on the occasion of his 35th birthday, Ashwin might be the ultimate tonic for India to get happy times back in their cricket.





Related Post

HIGHLIGHTS

Buzzwords