Mumbai, Dec 18 (UNI) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday congratulated Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the finest cricketers of his generation, on his remarkable career following the announcement of his retirement from international cricket.
Ashwin called time on his career after the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at The Gabba in Brisbane, bringing an end to a journey that spanned 14 years and saw him become one of the most accomplished bowlers in the history of the game.
Ashwin’s career has been marked by unmatched skill, consistency, and an intellectual approach to the game. Over the course of his career, he played 106 Tests, 116 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 65 T20 Internationals, setting records and achieving feats that have redefined spin bowling.
With 537 wickets in Test cricket, 156 in ODIs, and 72 in T20Is, Ashwin has solidified his place as one of the most prolific bowlers in cricketing history. His ability to turn a match with the ball was proven time and again, as he took 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, the second-most in history, along with 8 ten-wicket hauls. These incredible achievements speak volumes about his talent and perseverance on the field.
Ashwin’s dominance over top-tier opposition was evident throughout his career. His 115 Test wickets against Australia and 114 against England stand as a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
His 115 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy are the second-most in the history of the contest, further highlighting his invaluable contributions to India’s success in this prestigious series.
In addition to his exceptional bowling, Ashwin’s batting made him an invaluable allrounder. He scored six Test centuries and 14 fifties, often playing key roles in challenging conditions. Notably, four of his centuries were accompanied by five-wicket hauls in the same match, a rare achievement that underscores his ability to impact a game in multiple ways.
Ashwin’s influence extended beyond his performances on the field. His cricketing intellect and ability to reinvent his bowling strategies made him a key asset for India. His allround contributions were instrumental in India’s triumphs, including his role in the team’s 2011 World Cup victory and their 2013 ICC Champions Trophy win, where he notably defended 15 runs in the final over against England.
The BCCI leadership has showered praise on Ashwin’s illustrious career. Roger Binny, President of BCCI, expressed his admiration, saying, “Ashwin’s brilliance has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket’s success over the years. From being a prodigious talent to becoming one of the greatest off-spinners in cricketing history, his achievements are a source of immense pride. He redefined spin bowling and always sought to stay ahead of the curve.”
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, noted Ashwin’s remarkable cricketing intellect: “His ability to think ahead of the game has been a tremendous asset to Indian cricket. In Ashwin, we’ve witnessed a bowler who didn’t just take wickets but dismantled batting strategies. His exceptional skills make him one of the most respected cricketers of his generation.”
Devajit Saikia, BCCI Joint Secretary, paid tribute to Ashwin’s contributions both on and off the field, stating, “Ashwin has been a game-changer in every sense. Whether it was his magical spells on the field or his insightful discussions off it, he brought something truly special to Indian cricket. His extraordinary career serves as an example for future generations.”
As Ashwin steps away from international cricket, his legacy as a bowler, batsman, and cricketing intellect remains firmly intact. With 11 Player of the Series awards in Test cricket, the joint-most in history, Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. His retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, but his influence on the game will endure for years to come.
