BCCI Pays Tribute to Ashwin as the Legendary Spinner Reflects on His Journey from a Young Bowler to a Pillar of India’s Home Dominance
New Delhi, December 21: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honored Ravichandran Ashwin with an emotional tribute video following his retirement announcement after India’s recent Test series against Australia. Reflecting on his journey, Ashwin recalled a pivotal promise he made to himself after India’s crushing 1-2 Test series loss to England in 2012 at home—a promise that reshaped his career and India’s dominance on home soil.
A Promise Made, A Promise Kept
The 2012 series was a difficult chapter for a young Ashwin. Despite being India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, he was outperformed by Monty Panesar, Graeme Swann, and his teammate Pragyan Ojha. Ashwin, disheartened by the loss, made a vow:
“I made myself a promise in 2012. We lost a tricky series against England. I was very early in my career, and I told myself, we are not gonna lose another one. Ever.”
True to his word, Ashwin became the architect of India’s Test dominance at home. From the 2013 series against Australia to the recent series against Bangladesh, Ashwin claimed 329 wickets at an average of 20.62, including 24 five-wicket hauls and five ten-wicket match hauls.
A Stalwart with Both Bat and Ball
Ashwin’s contribution extended beyond his bowling. With the bat, he scored 1,556 runs in home Tests at an average of 22.88, including three centuries and six fifties, with a highest score of 124.
A Career of Remarkable Achievements
In his 106 Test matches, Ashwin amassed 537 wickets at an average of 24.00, with 37 five-wicket hauls and eight ten-wicket hauls. Globally, he ranks as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Tests and India’s second-highest behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets).
In ODIs, Ashwin played 116 matches, taking 156 wickets and contributing 707 runs. In the T20I format, he featured in 65 matches, picking up 72 wickets and scoring 184 runs.
Across all formats, Ashwin retires with an astonishing 765 wickets in 287 matches, second only to Anil Kumble’s 953 scalps in Indian cricket history.
Reflections and Gratitude
Reflecting on his storied career, Ashwin expressed gratitude:
“Had someone told me in 2011 that I would take so many wickets and retire in 2024, I wouldn’t have believed them. This is a game I love, but I never expected to receive so much love, support, and success. I’m grateful to everyone who supported and challenged me.”
Legacy of a Champion
Ashwin’s contributions were not limited to personal milestones. He played a crucial role in India’s triumphs, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
As cricket enthusiasts bid farewell to one of India’s greatest match-winners, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy of determination, resilience, and brilliance, inspiring future generations of cricketers.
