Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, is set to etch his name deeper into cricketing history as he prepares to play his 100th Test match against England in Dharamsala. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Ashwin, not just for the number of matches played, but also for the exceptional records and consistent performances that define his career.
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A Trailblazer with a Unique Feat
Ashwin will become the 14th Indian cricketer and the first from Tamil Nadu to reach the 100-Test mark. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the possibility of him sharing this landmark moment with three other players – Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, and Tim Southee – who could also be playing their 100th Tests in their respective match.
Filling the Void and Surpassing Expectations
Emerging after the retirement of Anil Kumble and the decline of Harbhajan Singh, Ashwin seamlessly filled the void left behind. He has not only established himself as a crucial player but has also carved his own path, achieving remarkable feats. As he heads into his 100th Test, his bowling record stands tall among the best. Only the legendary Muttiah Muralidaran had more wickets (584) than Ashwin’s 507 before their 100th Tests.
Furthermore, Ashwin boasts the best career strike rate (51.3) among all players in their first 99 Test matches and holds the record for the best strike rate among all spinners in Test history with a minimum of 150 wickets. This consistency and brilliance are further highlighted by his current form, with his career bowling average (23.91) and strike rate being at their best ever.
Master of the Subcontinent and Beyond
While Ashwin has been a key figure in India’s dominance at home, his expertise extends beyond familiar pitches. Unlike other spin legends who had specific hunting grounds, Ashwin has distributed his wickets remarkably well across various Indian turfs. Although his highest wicket tally at any single venue is 38 at Wankhede Stadium, his ability to pick up wickets across diverse conditions showcases his mastery over sub-continent pitches.
A Statistical Powerhouse
Ashwin’s journey is further embellished by a treasure trove of statistical achievements. He holds the record for most wickets bowled and leg-before (214) by a spinner, showcasing his diverse bowling skills. Additionally, he has dismissed batters for a duck 74 times, the second-best among Indian bowlers in Tests, and has bowled the fewest no-balls (10) in his career.
His impact extends beyond individual statistics as he has been instrumental in India’s success. Since his debut, India has won 44 out of their 59 home matches, with Ashwin contributing significantly by picking up 354 wickets at a phenomenal average of 19.11. This is the best among all Indian bowlers and the fifth-best overall, highlighting his crucial role in India’s home dominance.
Ravichandran Ashwin Career:
| Batting Career Summary | ||||||||||
| M | Inn | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
| Test | 99 | 140 | 3309 | 124 | 26.47 | 53.9 | 5 | 14 | 381 | 21 |
| ODI | 116 | 63 | 707 | 65 | 16.44 | 86.96 | 0 | 1 | 60 | 7 |
| T20I | 65 | 19 | 184 | 31 | 26.29 | 115 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 4 |
| IPL | 197 | 85 | 714 | 50 | 13.22 | 118.8 | 0 | 1 | 56 | 24 |
| Bowling Career Summary | ||||||||||
| M | Inn | B | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | SR | 5W | 10W | |
| Test | 99 | 187 | 26012 | 507 | 7/59 | 13/140 | 2.8 | 51.31 | 35 | 8 |
| ODI | 116 | 114 | 6303 | 156 | 4/25 | 4/25 | 4.93 | 40.4 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 65 | 65 | 1452 | 72 | 4/8 | 4/8 | 6.91 | 20.17 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 197 | 194 | 4194 | 171 | 4/34 | 4/34 | 7.01 | 24.53 | 0 | 0 |
Challenges and Looking Ahead
While Ravichandran Ashwin has enjoyed immense success, the upcoming Test in Dharamsala presents a unique challenge. He has faced one of his toughest series against England in his 20 home matches, with an average of 30.41, his lowest in a home series against England. However, his fighting spirit and ability to overcome challenges are well documented. He has already picked up 17 wickets in the series, including his 35th Test five-for, equalling Kumble’s Indian record.
Dharamsala holds special memories for Ashwin, having performed well there in his only Test match against Australia in 2017. With the possibility of joining an exclusive club of spinners who have taken a five-wicket haul in their 100th Test, the upcoming match promises to be a historic occasion for Ashwin and a testament to his remarkable journey in the cricketing world.
