Indian cricket team’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket. Ashwin left engineering and adopted cricket, delivering many memorable performances. He began his career as an opening batsman and medium-pace bowler, but later mastered off-spin bowling. Ashwin has created numerous records. He announced his retirement after the Brisbane Test during a press conference.
Ashwin Was Brilliant in Studies
Ravichandran Ashwin, 38, was born on September 17, 1986, in Mylapore, Chennai. His father Ravichandran was himself a club cricketer and fast bowler. Ashwin was exceptionally sharp in his studies. He completed his schooling from Chennai and then graduated in IT from SSN College of Engineering. However, he bid farewell to engineering and made cricket his passion.
Spinner Shaped by Injury
Very few know that Ashwin started his cricket career as an opening batsman. Later, he also tried medium-pace bowling. His childhood coach CK Vijay advised him to pursue off-spin bowling. There were two reasons behind this. First, Ashwin’s height was 6 feet 2 inches, which is considered suitable for off-spin. Second, during under-16 cricket, he suffered an injury that made running difficult. Therefore, he was suggested to try spin bowling.
R Ashwin’s Test record
Since making his debut in 2011, R Ashwin has played 106 Test matches for India, single-handedly leading the team to victory in several matches. With an impressive 537 Test wickets to his name, Ashwin has achieved the milestone of taking five or more wickets in an innings 37 times – a feat that makes him the second cricketer in the world to do so in Test history. In addition to his bowling brilliance, Ashwin has contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 3503 runs, including 6 centuries and 14 half-centuries.
R Ashwin’s ODI Career
In ODI cricket, Ashwin has showcased his versatility with both bat and ball. He has scored 707 runs in 116 matches and taken 156 wickets, cementing his place as a valuable all-rounder for India.
R Ashwin’s T20 Career
Ashwin has represented India in 65 T20 matches, taking 72 wickets. His consistency and skill made him a key part of India’s squad during major tournaments, including the victorious campaigns in the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
