In the annals of Indian cricket, few players have embodied the spirit of quiet excellence quite like Ravichandran Ashwin. As he announces his retirement from international cricket, the story of his journey is not just one of numbers, but of a profound love for the game that transcended the typical adulation reserved for batting heroes.
Ashwin’s legacy is etched in the remarkable statistics that speak volumes: 537 Test wickets at an average of 24, placing him second only to the legendary Anil Kumble in India’s pantheon of spin wizards. But numbers alone fail to capture the essence of a cricketer who transformed the art of spin bowling with his intellectual approach and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“I’ve had a lot of fun. I have made a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my team-mates,” Ashwin reflected at his retirement press conference, his words resonating with the camaraderie that defined his career. He described himself and his contemporaries as the “last bunch of OGs” – original gangsters of Indian cricket – a testament to a generation that redefined the game’s boundaries.
In a nation that traditionally worships batsmen, Ashwin stood as an anomaly – a bowler who could dismantle opposition with both his mind and his craft. He wasn’t just content with taking wickets; he was passionate about the nuanced art of outsmarting batsmen, constantly evolving his technique and approach and adding a huge dose of science to the art of spin bowling.
His journey was never about seeking adulation though. As he candidly admitted, his focus had shifted in recent years from individual accomplishments to “rediscovering the joy of playing the game for the sake of it.” This philosophical approach set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
The timing of his retirement might seem puzzling to many. With “a little bit of punch left in me,” Ashwin chose to step away from international cricket, expressing a desire to showcase his remaining skills in club-level cricket. His decision came after playing only one Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, a stark contrast to the pivotal role he once played for the Indian team, with Ashwin enjoying little reward in the recent India-New Zealand test series.
Harbhajan Singh, another spin legend, aptly described Ashwin’s achievements as “phenomenal”, while noting how the team management has been grooming Washington Sundar as his potential successor. This subtle transition reflects the cyclical nature of cricket, where new talents emerge to fill the shoes of true champions.
What makes Ashwin’s story truly remarkable is his ability to transcend the typical narrative of Indian cricket. In a country where batting milestones are revered and batsmen are virtually worshipped, Ashwin remained truly committed to his craft. As even Anil Kumble might attest, even bowlers who achieve extraordinary feats – like taking all ten wickets in a Test innings – are often reduced to footnotes in India’s cricketing history, with Indian fans celebrating sixers with far more gusto than six-fors.
But Ashwin was different. He didn’t seek external validation. He was content with the respect and awe his teammates held for him. His six Test centuries alongside his 522 wickets showcase a rare all-round capability that defied traditional categorizations. His ability to ignore unwarranted criticism, continuously hone his craft, and maintain an unwavering commitment to the game sets him apart as a true champion.
As he takes his final bow, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond mere statistics. He represents an era of Indian cricket characterized by intellectual approach, relentless innovation, and a deep love for the game.
Speaking at the Chepauk after receiving the Man of the Match award for his performance versus Bangladesh, he was typically candid when asked if this was the last time he’d be seen on his home turf. “I haven’t thought so far ahead, but if this was my swansong, what a swansong!” Those words, spoken with characteristic self-reflection, encapsulate Ashwin’s journey – a career defined not by loud proclamations, but by quiet, persistent excellence.
History, one hopes, will be generous in acknowledging Ravichandran Ashwin’s towering contributions to Indian and international cricket. For now, cricket lovers can only marvel at the journey of a true sporting intellectual who transformed and elevated the art of spin bowling in a nation that is producing far too few spinners of pedigree.
