What records does R Ashwin hold?. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Seasoned Indian campaigner, Ravichandran Ashwin, declared his retirement from all forms of international cricket on November 18, 2024. The sudden decision was broken out at the post-match press conference after the conclusion of a rain-marred Gabba Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which eventually ended in a draw.
As one of the greatest luminaries calls time on his career, it would be only apt to have a look at some of the milestones which Ashwin achieved in his 14-year-long international career for India.
537 – Ashwin’s Test wicket-tally is the second-highest for India. This comes behind Kumble’s count of 619. It is notable to mention that Kumble bowled on 36 additional instances.
2 – Ashwin was the second-fastest bowler to claim 500 Test dismissals. This came in 98 games in February this year. Not only that, he remains the quickest to reach 250, 300 and 350 Test wickets in terms of number of innings.
226 – Ashwin effected 226 dismissals in Tests via getting batters dismissed either by getting them bowled or trapping them LBW – the most for any spinner.
4 – Ashwin has registered a ton and a five-wicket haul in Test cricket on four distinct occasions. This is only bettered by former English skipper, Ian Botham (5).
1 – The Chennai-born cricketer is the first to breach the 100-wicket mark in a WTC cycle. He attained this feat in March 2022 during the 2021-23 cycle.
195 – At the time of his retirement, Ashwin is the highest wicket-taker across the three editions of the WTC cycle, with an aggregate of 195 wickets.
Truly a very emotional moment: Ashwin
The Chennai-born opened up on his journey through a special farewell speech in the dressing room with his teammates and India’s coaching staff. Right after announcing the retirement at the post-match press conference, the legendary spinner was seen delivering an emotional monologue.
“I don’t know how to go about this, honestly. I mean, it’s easier to speak in the team huddle, but yeah. Even though I’m not exhibiting it. It is truly a very emotional moment for me. It feels like just now in 2011-2012 I toured here. My first Australian tour. And I saw everybody transition. Rahul (Dravid) Bhai, Sachin (Tendulkar) Paji left. But trust me, guys, everybody’s time comes. And today was truly my time. I’ve enjoyed it. Thoroughly enjoyed it,” Ashwin said during his farewell speech in a video posted by BCCI.
“Built some great relationships and friendships over the last four or five years notably. And I am leaving behind some of my teammates who I’ve been playing with dearly. And every passing year in the last four years I’ve felt how much more I value their relationship. And how much more I value them as a player. So I’ve had a great time. I will be taking a flight back home (now),” he said further.