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Ravichandran Ashwin. File
| Photo Credit: PTI
Australia pace bowler Mitchell Starc has paid a glorious tribute to the just-retired Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, saying he has been “a bit of a thorn” for their side in some of the memorable contests.
Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner, surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement on Wednesday (December 18, 2024), in the middle of the Test series against Australia. He retired from the game as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps from 106 matches, placing him only behind the legendary Anil Kumble (619 wickets).
Ashwin played 23 Tests against Australia from 2011 to 2024, taking 115 scalps, including a 10-wicket and seven five-wicket hauls. He also played a big in India’s stunning series win in 2020-21.
Ravichandran Ashwin: a match-winner across the board
Maiden series, maiden ton: Ashwin announced his unique ability with the bat as he scored his first century against West Indies in 2011 while batting at number eight in the line-up.
Ashwin lofts the ball to the boundry during the fourth day of the third and final Test cricket match between India and West Indies at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on November 25, 2011.
Under-pressure performance: Ashwin produced an exceptional performance against Australia during the 2014 World Cup semis by bagging four wickets leading India to the finals of the edition.
A spell to remember: Ashwin outplayed South Africa’s batting line-up with a splendid performance of 7/83 in the Nagpur Test in 2015.
Ashwin’s unbeaten 42 spectacle helps India against Bangladesh (2022): In the second innings, Ashwin joined Iyer when India was 74/7 and helped the side steal a crucial win in the run-up of the World Test Championship.
Ashwin’s match-winning spell against New Zealand in 2016: With Virat Kohli’s double-hundred in the bank, Ashwin took charge and picked 8 wickets in the first innings followed by seven wickets in the second innings.
Fastest to reach 300 wickets in Test: Ashwin reached the mark in 54 matches during the 2017 Test game against Sri Lanka.
A resolute Ashwin rescues Sydney Test against the Aussies (2021): A resolute Ravichandran Ashwin and a hamstrung Hanuma Vihari battled pain and a hostile Australian bowling attack while displaying the largely extinct art of Test-saving batsmanship to snatch a remarkable draw for India. Ashwin scored 39* runs off 128 balls
Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin leave the field as they celebrate securing a draw during day five of the Third Test match in the series against Australia on January 11, 2021 in Sydney, Australia.
Ashwin’s master-class century puts India in command against England (2021): Ashwin played a gutsy innings of 106 runs off 148 balls, securing his fifth Test hundred and taking his side to a series-levelling victory against England in 2021.
Ashwin building up a crucial partnership as he nears his century against Bangladesh.
Drama in the death over: A calm Ashwin lets the ball pass for a wide as India draws the nail-biting match against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He then swings the bat and hits Nawaz, scoring the winning run.
Ashwin’s all-round performance against Bangladesh (2024): Playing at home turf, Ashwin scripted one of the most impactful performances under pressure by adding 113 runs and saving the Test match by bagging six wickets in the second innings, taking India 1-0 in the series.
Author avatar: Beyond cricket, Ashwin also made his debut as an author along with cricket writer Siddharth Monga with his book named “I Have the Streets: A Kutty Cricket Story”.
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“He [Ashwin] has always been a bit of a thorn in our side over in India and played a part in series here in Australia. It’s been a fantastic career and I’m sure it will be celebrated that way,” Starc told SEN Radio after the third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw.
“His numbers speak for themselves. He’s been an incredible bowler for India for a long time, over 500 wickets.”
Ashwin enjoyed a great rapport with Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, both of whom having 500-plus wickets.
“He [Ashwin] has got a close working relationship with Nathan [Lyon] and that mutual respect between teams and for someone of his calibre — congratulations on his career. It’s been a fantastic career and I’m sure it will be celebrated that way,” added Starc.
Published – December 19, 2024 12:06 pm IST
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Ashwin has always been a bit of a thorn for our side: Mitchell Starc
