Top 3 bowling performances of Ravichandran Ashwin in Test Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin’s presence in the Indian Test team has been of immense significance, owing to his exceptional performances since his debut in 2011. Ashwin’s impact stems from his remarkable skills as an off-spinner and his ability to consistently trouble batsmen on all types of surfaces. His variations, control, and astute understanding of the game make him a potent force in Test cricket.

Ashwin’s statistical achievements are a testament to his importance. With over 450 wickets in Test cricket, including 32 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket hauls, he has consistently been a match-winner for the Indian team. Today in this article, we will discuss his top three performances for India in Test Cricket.

3. VS New Zealand in Hyderabad 2012

Ravichandran Ashwin’s match-winning performances against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2012 showcased his exceptional talent and marked a significant milestone in his Test career. It was the first time he claimed more than 10 wickets in a Test match, finishing with an impressive tally of 12 wickets. In a dominant display of performance from Ashwin, India outplayed New Zealand by an innings and 115 runs.

Ashwin’s brilliance was evident right from the first innings, where he bowled a mesmerizing spell. In just 16.3 overs, he conceded a mere 31 runs, while taking a remarkable six wickets. His stellar performance shattered the backbone of the New Zealand batting lineup. In the second innings, as New Zealand followed on, Ashwin once again wreaked havoc, claiming six more wickets. His relentless accuracy and skill ensured an easy victory for India.

2. VS Australia in Chennai 2013

Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his match-winning prowess against Australia in the Chennai Test of 2013. It was his first encounter with the Australians on home soil, and he delivered a stellar performance. In the first innings, Ashwin claimed remarkable figures of 7-103, dismissing six top-order batsmen. But he didn’t stop there.

In the second inning, he continued to torment the Australian lineup, securing yet another five-wicket haul. Ashwin’s dominance over the Australian team extended beyond this match, as he played a pivotal role throughout the series. With his exceptional display, India emerged victorious in the game, winning by eight wickets, thanks in large part to Ashwin’s brilliance and captain MS Dhoni’s double century.

1. VS Sri Lanka in Galle, 2015

Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling masterclass against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2015 was a standout performance in his illustrious career. In the first Test, Ashwin wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming six wickets for a mere 46 runs, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting line-up for just 183. With solid contributions from Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, India secured a substantial first-inning lead. Ashwin continued his dominance in the second innings, taking four more wickets to finish with remarkable figures of 10 wickets in the match.

Unfortunately, despite Ashwin’s heroics, India stumbled in the fourth innings chase of 176 as Rangana Herath’s brilliant bowling snatched an unexpected victory from them. Nevertheless, the Indian team rallied back and went on to win the series 2-1. Ashwin’s exceptional performance earned him the well-deserved recognition of being the Man of the Series, having scalped an impressive tally of 22 wickets throughout the series.