Top 3 moments of Ravichandran Ashwin in international cricket

Ravi Ashwin. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Legendary Indian spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin shocked the world as he announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18. Ashwin’s illustrious career came to an end after India’s rain-affected draw against Australia in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Gabba. The spinner bowed out with 537 wickets in 106 Tests, second only to Anil Kumble’s 619.

Since his Test debut in 2011, Ashwin redefined off-spin bowling with his exceptional skill and innovation, including his famous carrom ball. Over his career, he bagged 775 international wickets across 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is. His 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests and achievements of over 500 wickets and 3,000 runs shows his all-round capabilities. As a batter, he scored six Test centuries and amassed 3,503 runs, making him one of the finest all-rounders of his time.

Ashwin’s journey began with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, where his performances earned him a place in the Indian team. He was a key member in India’s victories in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. The Tamil Nadu-born has been recognised with multiple awards, including the ICC Cricketer of the Year and the Arjuna Award. While his international career concludes, Ashwin will have a crucial presence in domestic cricket. Fans eagerly await his return to CSK colors in IPL 2025.

Here are the Top 3 moments of Ravichandran Ashwin in international cricket:

3. BGT 2020-21 heroic stand with Hanuma Vihari in Sydney:

Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari’s brave partnership at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 11, 2021, highlighted India’s fightback in the series. Chasing 407, the visitors faced a tough task on the final day of the third Test. After Pujara (77) and Pant (97) raised hopes with an iconic partnership, their dismissals put India battling for survival.

Vihari was seen limping with a torn hamstring, and Ashwin, suffering from severe back pain, put up an extraordinary 62-run partnership over 42.4 overs. Against a fierce Australian bowling attack featuring Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood, the duo’s patience kept India in the game. Ashwin absorbed a series of short-balls on his body, while Vihari, unable to run, played 161 balls for his 23. Their stand ensured India batted out 131 overs, securing a historic draw. After this game, India fought back and won the series.

2. Forced wide from Mohammed Nawaz during the IND vs PAK 2022 Melbourne game:

In a high-pressure India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23, 2022, Ravichandran Ashwin displayed remarkable coolness under pressure to secure a narrow four-wicket victory for India. Chasing 160, India required two runs from the final ball, with Ashwin on strike.

Facing Mohammad Nawaz, Ashwin smartly let a delivery pass down the leg side, resulting in a wide and leveling the scores. The equation was reduced to one run-off one ball. Calm and calculated, Ashwin lofted the next delivery over the infield for a single, sparking a celebration in the Indian dugout. While Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53, including a 113-run partnership with Hardik Pandya, was the highlight, Ashwin’s critical thinking in the final moments stood out.

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1. Final over of 2013 Champions Trophy final against England

In the rain-shortened 20-over match finale of the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, the 37-year-old showed his brilliance in white-ball cricket. Given a challenge to defend 15 runs against England, skipper MS Dhoni put his trust in the ace spinner. Up against Stuart Broad and James Tredwell, Ashwin kept his composure. Broad managed a boundary on the second delivery, creating hope for the hosts.

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However, the spinner conceded just five runs in the next three balls. With six runs needed off the final ball, Tredwell swung and missed, sealing India’s brilliant five-run victory, helping the Men in Blue to emerge as winners of the 2013 edition.